A MAN was killed after he allegedly engaged anti-drugs operatives from the Parian police in a shootout in Sitio Sampaguita, Barangay Tejero Cebu City last Friday night.

He was identified as Gerwin Vasquez Wilhoit, 37, a resident of Zamora St., Centro, Mandaue City.

According to Parian Police Chief Insp. Kenneth Paul Albotra, they received information that Wilhoit was selling illegal drugs in the area.

They conducted a buy-bust using a decoy around 8 p.m. When Wilhoit sensed the presence of operatives, he allegedly drew a .38 pistol and fired at the operatives but his gun didn’t go off.

The police returned fire and hit him in the chest.

He was rushed to Cebu City Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the scene were a .38 pistol with four live bullets, an empty shell from a 9mm, two small sachets of shabu and the P500 buy-bust money.

Cebu City Police Office Director Senior Supt. Royina Garma said that it was a legitimate operation.

“He was involved in illegal drugs before. He was rehabilitated twice but unfortunately, he went back to his old habits,” Garma said. (JOB with HBL of Superbalita)