AN ALLEGED high-value individual (HVI) was killed after he engaged with policemen and anti-narcotics agents in an armed confrontation during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pitogo, Barugo, Leyte, Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
Authorities identified the suspect as Felicisimo “Jun” Atienza Jr., who was included in the national-level target list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Eastern Visayas.
"We are serious in our fight to end the proliferation of illegal drugs here in Eastern Visayas. Whether HVI or street level personalities, the law will come after you until we become a drug-free community," said Brigadier General Rommel Francisco Marbil, police regional director, as he warned suspected drug personalities in the region.
In the information released by the police regional command, the suspect noticed the approaching police officers after the drug bust was consummated.
According to the police, Atienza immediately drew his firearm and fired at the policemen while trying to hide inside his safehouse.
Authorities fired back to defend themselves and hit the suspect’s body.
The suspect was brought to a rural center but was declared dead by the attending physician.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) team recovered three units of caliber .45 pistols, several live ammunition of unknown calibers, cartridges, 30 sachets containing suspected shabu, other personal items, and drug paraphernalia.
The recovered drug items have an estimated weight of 150 grams and worth P1,020,000. (SunStar Philippines)