One killed, 3 arrested in buy-bust operations

CEBU, Philippines - One person killed while three others were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu and  Cordova town last Saturday evening.

In Cordova, a high-value target in the illegal drug trade was killed after allegedly resisted arrest from police in Barangay Gabi.

Alfie Lopez, was shot around 7:35 p.m. after he attempted to shoot the police decoy after a drug transaction, according to Senior Inspector Jomar Medil, Chief of Cordova Police Station.

However, the police opened fire, which led to the instant death of the said suspect.

Seized from Lopez were a small sachet and a medium pack of shabu with a total estimated worth of P47,000, Medil added.

The suspect's firearm was also confiscated by police.

Medil said the suspect was declared dead on arrival after he was sent to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Meanwhile, police arrested Allan Augusto, 40, of Sitio Soong 1, Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City around 6 p.m., Saturday, said Senior Inspector Felix Cleopas III, Chief of Mactan Police Station.

Cleopas said that during the transaction with police poseur buyer, Augusto drew his .38 revolver after the latter sensed police presence, but he was immediately arrested.

A small sachet and a medium pack of shabu with an estimated worth of P13,452 and a .38 revolver loaded with two live ammunition rounds were confiscated from Augusto.

In Mandaue City, 24 year-old Kent Gabiana, resident of Barangay Looc, was arrested around 9:30 p.m. together with Jade Villaruel, 33, a resident of Barangay Cambaro.

Senior Inspector Ricky Esmael Calong of Mandaue City Police Office-Intelligence Branch said that the two were arrested following the issuance of a search warrant issued by Honorable Mercedita G. Dadole-Ygnacio, Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court- Branch 28 in Mandaue City.

Police reportedly found Villaruel in the house of Gabiana.

Calong said eight small sachets worth P3,600 were seized from Gabiana and a .38 revolver with five live ammunition rounds, while another four small sachets were confiscated from Villaruel, while tin foils, a disposable lighter, a scissor, a small test tube, and a sling bag were also confiscated by police from Villaruel's house, Calong said.

Augusto is detained in LCPO-Holding Cell while Gabiana and Villaruel are detained in MCPO-Holding Cell.

The three suspects will face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Augusto and Gabiana will aslo face separate charges under RA 10591, or illegal possession of firearms. (FREEMAN)