Drug, blast suspect slain in Navotas sting

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher, believed to be behind two grenade attacks at a Northern Police District building, was killed during a sting in Navotas City Monday afternoon.

Teofilo Pagtabunan had just sold a sachet of shabu to an undercover police officer at his house on Taganahan street when he sensed the deal was a setup, according to NPD Special Operations Task Group chief Inspector Arnulfo Ibanez.

He drew a gun and shot Senior Police Officer 3 Amadeo Tayag, prompting other police officers to shoot him, another police officer said.

Tayag was taken to the MCU Hospital while other police officers raided Pagtabunan’s house and arrested the slain suspect’s partner, Stephanie Garcia, 27; Michael Sulit, 43; and 62-year-old Alfredo Dino.

The lawmen recovered several sachets of shabu, a loaded .38 caliber revolver and a hand grenade.

A source said Pagtabunan may have been behind those who lobbed a grenade at the NPD Special Operations Unit office in Caloocan City on Jan. 11 and on May 18, 2014.

Ibanez said the three arrested suspects were charged with violating the anti-illegal drug law.