PDEA probes failed ambush on 'drug dealer'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is looking into the circumstances behind the failed ambush on an alleged drug dealer in Capiz last month. 

Two gunmen attacked Rolando Aguirre, 50, a resident of Barangay Amaga, Sigma, Capiz, on the morning of Dec. 28, 2009. 

Aguirre, who was himself armed, was able to return fire and survived the ambush with a bullet wound in the left leg.

PDEA Director General Dionisio Santiago ordered an intensive investigation into the incident after receiving reports that it had something to do with the illegal drug trade.

He said he has directed PDEA-Region 6 director Paul Ledesma to “find out more about Aguirre.”

“The fact that he was heavily armed is disturbing. Who is he? Why is he armed? Obviously, he has protectors or he wouldn’t be heavily armed. The question is, who is protecting him? So I had my men check him out,” Santiago said.

Based on intelligence information, Aguirre allegedly tops the watchlist of drug personalities in Capiz and aside from the caliber .45 pistol he used in shooting it out with his attackers, other high-powered firearms were also allegedly found in his possession.