TWO persons were killed while four were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cebu since Friday afternoon, August 9, 2019.
Jorge Malinao and Dixon Pacaldo, both identified as suspected drug pushers, were killed while Rolando Dacayana, a cohort, surrendered to police during a joint buy-bust conducted by the police stations of Cordova and Talisay City in Sitio Tabay, Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City on Saturday, August 10, 2019.
According to Police Major Orlando Carag Jr., chief of the Talisay City Police Station, the Cordova police received a tip from a certain "Michael" who described the illegal activities of Malinao.
Carag added that while they were transcating with the group in the area, Malinao recognized their men, prompting his group to allegedly open fire.
The shootout lasted for 20 minutes.
Recovered at the crime scene were two .38 revolvers, bullets, drug paraphernalias and 42 small sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P95,000.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives also recovered five empty shells of an unspecified firearm.
The Talisay police are still investigating the background of Malinao, Pacaldo and Dacayana as to whether or not they are part of their drug watchlist or are part of a drug syndicate.
"We are still looking into the backround of the suspects. The operation is headed by the Cordova police. They just coordinated with us," Carag said in Filipino.
There were no operatives hurt during the conduct of the operation.
In a separate incident, two persons were nabbed while P714,000 worth of suspected shabu were confiscated during a drug bust conducted in Upland Suba, Danao City, Friday afternoon, August 9, 2019.
The Danao City police arrested a certain Joseph Franco and Alex Pradia, who were both listed in the Danao drug watchlist.
The two yielded one medium and one large sachets of suspected shabu weighing 105 grams.
The arrested suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (WBS, JGS)