Bystander hurt “Drug pusher” killed in shootout with cops

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher was killed after shooting it out with the police to elude arrest during a buy-bust operation Friday evening in Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

 A bystander was caught in the crossfire and suffered gunshot wound in the leg while suspected drug pusher Loyd Cabahug traded gunfire with the City Intelligence Branch operatives at past 10 p.m.

Edward Adaza, 42, was brought to Cebu City Medical Center where he is now recuperating from his leg injury. Cabahug, on the other hand, was declared dead on arrival at the same hospital.

CIB chief,   Superintendent Romeo Santander, said his office received information about Cabahug’s illegal drug activities prompting him to order a surveillance operation.

After the information was found to be true, Santander hatched the buy-bust operation. According to Santander, his men were deployed in strategic location while an undercover policeman negotiated to buy illegal drugs from the suspect.

However, the operation got burned out when the suspect noticed the presence of the police. Cabahug reportedly drew his firearm and fired at them prompting the law enforcers to return fire hitting the suspect in the chest.

Santander said they recovered close to P1 million worth of illegal drugs from the suspect. The police also recovered a caliber .45 pistol; five live rounds of ammunition, a magazine of caliber .45, and P3, 000 cash from the suspect.

Three empty shells of .9mm pistol and caliber .45 pistol; and a shrapnel of hand grenade were found at the crime scene.

Santander said Cabahug is considered a bigtime drug pusher operating in Sitio Riverside, Barangay Duljo-Fatima. (FREEMAN)