Bigtime pusher shot in police operation

A suspected bigtime drug pusher was wounded after he was shot by a pursuing policeman during a buy-bust operation in barangay Luz Wednesday evening.

Police Vice Control Section chief George Ylanan identified the suspect as Ramel Casas Misterio, alias Buldog, a resident of Cabantan Street.

Ylanan tagged Misterio as a Level Two pusher who could dispose of 200 grams to a kilo of shabu a week. The suspect allegedly used to acquire the illegal drug from a certain Berto Bacalan who is now detained at the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center.

Initial police investigation revealed that during the buy-bust operation around 6:30 p.m., Misterio transacted with PO2 Nathaniel Santa Ana who acted as poseur-buyer.

When the transaction was reportedly consummated, the police operative then signaled to PO3 Jeffrey Larrobis to apprehend the suspect. But when Misterio recognized Larrobis, he reportedly ran toward his house.

According to Ylanan, when the chasing Larrobis arrived at Misterio's house, the suspect allegedly opened the door and tried to fire his .38 cal revolver to Larrobis but the firearm malfunctioned.

Sensing his life was in danger, Larrobis immediately shot Misterio in the left thigh using a 9mm pistol.

Misterio, however, claimed that he was sleeping at his house when the operatives arrived, kicked the door and immediately shot him.

He said he was not the subject of the buy-bust operation because it was a certain "Dondon" who transacted with the police. But Misterio refused to comment when asked about the background of "Dondon". - Ryan P. Borinaga