Man yields P3.5M shabu, killed in police shootout

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher was killed in a shootout with the police while four others were arrested in a buy-bust operation that yielded P3.5 million worth of shabu yesterday in Barangay Canamucan, Compostela, Cebu.

Suspect Jose Cuizon sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body and was declared dead on arrival at Danao District Hospital.

At least 300 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.5 million were seized from Cuizon in the joint operation conducted by the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force and Cebu Provincial Intelligence Branch at Green Lagoon Park.

Senior Inspector Henrix Bancoleta of RAIDSOTG-7 and team leader of the operation said Cuizon was shot when he tried to escape from them.

Cuizon tried to flee toward his resthouse in Danao City but was followed by the operatives, said Bancoleta.

Upon reaching Barangay Tuburan Sur, Danao City, Cuizon and the operatives engaged in a shootout which resulted to the suspect’s death.

A cal. 45 pistol loaded with ammunition was recovered from Cuizon’s possession.

Bancoleta said Cuizon was placed under surveillance for two weeks prior to the operation.

He said the suspect gets his supply of shabu from the New Bilibid Prison and sells at least one kilo a week.

“Sa nakuha nga information, new player man ‘ni siya, pero dinagko ang iyang mga transaksyon,” Bancoleta said, adding that the suspect rents a house in Compostela and transacts in neighboring places.

During the operation, the operatives used P10,000 “budol” money or bundles of paper cut to the size of money bills.

Also arrested in the buy-bust operation were Jerry Peregrino, Roel Bautista, Mariejun Tampos and Raymond Cuizon.

They will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, four other persons including two teens were arrested after they were reportedly caught having a drug session in an abandoned house in Barangay Matab-ang, Toledo City Thursday evening.

Suspects Raj Mahilom, 34; Chin-chona Rico, 31; Fran Alcontin, 19; and Renskie Rico, 18, were arrested with drug paraphernalia.

Charges for RA 9165 violation will be filed against them. — Xenia Maureen Arda and Janice Marsada, USJ-R Interns/NSA (FREEMAN)