WITH the intensified campaign of President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration against illegal drugs, police shot another suspected drug pusher dead after he resisted arrest during a drug bust operation Thursday in Davao City.
Operatives of the Sta. Ana police, led by Chief Inspector Hamlet Lerios, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Davao City, launched the drug bust operation around 12:30 p.m. at Piapi Boulevard against suspected drug pusher identified as Anthony Serato, alias "Ton-Ton," 29 years old.
Serato initially engaged into a transaction and sold one sachet of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as "shabu" to a police operative who acted as a buyer.
After the transaction, more police operatives of Sta. Ana police arrived at the area to arrest Serato.
Instead of surrendering, Serato pulled out a firearm and fired at the responding police operatives.
Police operatives forced to return fire and defend themselves, resulting to Serato's death.
Serrato succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds on his head and abdomen.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered one homemade .38 revolver with live ammunition, two fired cartridge cases, and P500 marked money.
All seized evidence was submitted to the Regional Crime Laboratory Office-Davao office.
Serato's cadaver was brought to Angel Funeral Homes.