Ex-cop allegedly pushing drugs nabbed in Isabela

MANILA, Philippines - A former policeman was wounded after firing at officers during a drug bust in Isabela province on Monday.

Regional police director, Chief Superintendent Miguel Laurel, said operatives nabbed Zaldy Apelado of Saint James Subdivision, Barangay Batal, Santiago City, after a brief firefight.

Laurel said that an informer told the Santiago police that the suspect has been peddling shabu at the residence of a certain Jeffrey Caibigan in Barangay Rosario, Santiago City.

Members of the local police and operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted the drug bust on Patul Road, Poblacion 6, Barangay Plaridel, Santiago City around 11:10 a.m. last August 11.

During the operation, the suspect attempted to escaped after sensing that his buyer was a police officer.

However, the operatives immediately fired at the tires of his Honda CRV to stop him from fleeing the area.

Apelado fired at policemen, but the authorities fired back.

The wounded suspect was rushed by the operatives to the Southern Isabela General Hospital for medical treatment and later transferred to the De Vera`s Hospital.

Recovered from the former cop were 13 small plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, and a caliber .40 pistol.

A violation of Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) have been filed against the suspect.