ORMOC CITY– A notorious criminal gang member was killed in an alleged shootout with authorities while his live-in partner was arrested for illegal drug possession during a search warrant operation at dawn on Thursday, February 20, in Barangay Balud, Calbayog City.
The suspect, identified as Annex Sabar, alias “Nex,” 31, a construction worker and former detainee, was a known member of the Magbutay Criminal Gang and a high-value individual (HVI) in law enforcement’s drug watchlist.
His partner, identified as alias “Alyssa” or “Lalay,” 27, was also present during the raid.
At around 5 am, joint police operatives arrived at the suspect’s residence to serve a search warrant for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).
The warrant was issued by Judge Maricar Lucero, Executive Judge of RTC-8, Calbayog City.
Upon arrival, police knocked on the door, identified themselves, and read the warrant. However, instead of complying, Sabar allegedly grabbed his 12-gauge shotgun, loaded it, and opened fire on the officers. In response, police forced entry and engaged the suspect, fatally shooting him in the exchange of gunfire.
Sabar was immediately rushed by Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel to Calbayog District Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:20 am by his attending physician.
During the operation, alias “Alyssa” was searched in the presence of some witnesses. Although no weapons were found in her possession, authorities seized a plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
She was immediately arrested, informed of her offense, and apprised of her constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language she understood.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area and recovered one 12 shotgun with three live rounds and one spent shell; .45 caliber pistol loaded with six live rounds and one spent shell; one replica short firearm pistol; two sachets of suspected shabu; one 12-gauge empty shell; three .45 caliber fired cartridge cases; and two 9mm fired cartridge cases
At the hospital, SOCO also conducted a bodily search on Sabar’s cadaver, leading to the recovery of two more sachets of suspected shabu; and P2,908 in cash in different denominations.
Charges for illegal drug possession (Section 11, RA 9165) were filed against alias “Alyssa,” who is now detained at the Calbayog City Police Station lock-up facility.
(ROBERT DEJON)
