A BARANGAY tanod suspected to be a drug pusher was shot in a drug bust in Barangay North Poblacion, San Fernando, Monday night, January 21.

Joel Bacalso was neutralized by anti-drug enforcement operatives of the San Fernando Police Station led by Senior Inspector Lymel Pasquin after he attempted to fight them off.

Pasquin told Superbalita Cebu that they have been monitoring Bacalso's movements after they received reports that he has been selling illegal drugs in his barangay.

On Monday morning, Pasquin and his operatives conducted a test buy in Bacalso's house to determine if he was truly selling illegal drugs.

When Bacalso was able to sell the illegal drugs, police attempted to arrest him but to no avail as he was able to leave his house.

At 8:30 p.m., Pasquin and his operatives returned to the area to conduct a buy-bust operation on the suspect.

As police were negotiating the sale, Bacalso noticed that he was dealing with law enforcers.

As the poseur buyer was about to accept the illegal drugs, Bacalso suddenly pulled his pistol and attempted to fight off.

Police, though, were able to fight back, hitting Bacalso on the different parts of his body.

Emergency personnel brought Bacalso to the Carcar City Hospital for immediate medical attention.

As of press time, operatives of the PNP Crime Laboratory are still processing the crime scene to determine how much illegal drugs were recovered from the suspect. (GPL of Superbalita Cebu)