MANILA, Philippines - Anti-narcotics agents killed a suspected pusher during a buy bust operation in North Cotabato, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said on Thursday.
PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. identified the suspect as Berwil Carlos, of Barangay Balogo, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
"Carlos is a high-value target drug personality in the province of North Cotabato," Cacdac said.
Reports said that last April 4,around 11:05 a.m., combined elements of PDEA Regional Office 12 PDEA Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao conducted a sting operation at Barangay Balogo, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.
After handing over the drugs, the poseur-buyer gave the pre-arranged signal and the back-up team rushed to the suspect who immediately drew his caliber.45 pistol and opened fire at the authorities.
The team returned fire and hit Carlos, who was immediately rushed to the Mount of Blessing Hospital, Libungan, North Cotabato for medical treatment.
However, the doctors could no longer revived the suspect.
Seized during the operation were eight pieces of small transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, a white plastic canister, several drug paraphernalia, a Colt caliber. 45 pistol, and the P100 used as marked money.
Carlos has also a standing warrant of arrest for car theft.