A CALOOCAN policeman was killed in a counter-intelligence operation conducted by joint Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives on Monday evening, October 8.
The Northern Police District (NPD) said Police Officer 3 Ernesto Estrellas Jr. was killed in an armed encounter with the police and PDEA agents during a drug bust in Dagat-Dagatan Avenue, Barangay 14, Caloocan City, around 8 p.m. Monday.
Estrellas was about to hand over illegal drugs to a poseur buyer but he fled after sensing that he was dealing with a policeman.
“He immediately drew his firearm and fired at the pursuing operatives. Endangering the lives of the operating police officers, they were compelled by the aggressor to exchange fire. Thereafter the wounded suspect was rushed to the Caloocan City Medical Center Hospital but declared dead on arrival,” the NPD said.
Recovered from Estrellas were three pieces of heat-sealed transparent sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), one 9mm Glock firearm chamber, and magazine loaded with eleven live ammunition.
Estrellas was the eight police officer killed in counter-intelligence operations amid the PNP’s intensified campaign against erring cops. (SunStar Philippines)