A SUSPECTED drug personality was killed after he fired back at policemen during an anti-narcotics operation in Maasin City Wednesday, June 5.

Police operatives said the suspect, Antonio Espera, sensed that he was transacting with a policeman, prompting him to draw his firearm and shoot the operating team around 11:25 a.m. in Barangay Pasay, Maasin City.

Espera sustained gunshot wounds in the body after elements from Maasin City Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) returned fire.

Espera was rushed to Southern Leyte Yniguez Memorial Provincial Hospital for medical attention but was pronounced dead by Dr. Wilfredo Tan Jr., the attending physician.

Recovered from his possession were four pieces of heat-sealed sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, one revolver loaded with five fired cartridge cases, one live ammunition, two empty shells, a Kawasaki Rouser MC black, and to P4,783 cash.

Espera, who was listed as high-value target 2, was a resident of Sitio Tubli, Barangay Tigbawan, Maasin City. (SunStar Philippines)