TWO suspected drug personalities were killed while three others were arrested during separate buy-bust operations in Eastern Visayas on Thursday, January 14, 2021.
In Catbalogan City, police said Lucio Abarcar was killed in a shootout after he drew his gun and fired towards the arresting officers during the anti-drug operation around 11:15 p.m. Thursday in Barangay 2, Salug.
A poseur buyer managed to buy three sachets containing suspected shabu worth P25,000 from the suspect.
Authorities also recovered from the scene a caliber .45 with serial number 132784 loaded with 5 pieces cartridge, four pieces fired cartridge cases, 18 sachets containing suspected shabu, and 14 tablets.
The recovered drug items had an estimated weight of 30 grams and estimated street value of P300,000, police said.
In Maasin City, a 44-year-old fish vendor was shot after he allegedly engaged in firefight with authorities during the buy-bust around 8:45 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Panan-awan.
Police said the suspect, Rocky Bontog, allegedly sold 12 sachets containing suspected shabu to an undercover operative.
Two residents were also arrested around 1:40 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Punta, Ormoc city.
The suspects were identified as 24-year-old laborer Brian Loyloy and 25-year-old jobless resident Vince Borj Nabong, listed as a high-value individual (HVI).
A poseur buyer was able to purchase one sachet containing suspected shabu using P1,000 buy-bust money, police said.
In Tanauan, Leyte, a 30-year-old employee of the local government unit was arrested during the buy-bust operation around 7:40 a.m. Thursday in Barangay San Roque.
Police identified the suspect as Roxanne Kenny Salve, listed as HVI.
Purchased from Salve was a sachet containing suspected shabu, while recovered from the suspect's possession and control were three sachets containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money, P14,990 cash, a KIA vehicle, and other personal items.
All pieces of drug evidence with an estimated weight of 0.20 grams were worth P7,000, police said in the report.
The arrested suspects will be facing charges for violation of sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (SunStar Philippines)