Gunrunner killed in Pasig shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected gunrunner was killed by police officers after a sting operation ended in an alleged shootout in Pasig, police reported yesterday.

Col. Hendrix Mangaldan, Pasig police chief, said the armed encounter between 21-year-old Jiemark and police officers occurred in Barangay Pinagbuhatan at 10:45 p.m. on Thursday.

It is the second fatality in a shootout after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III issued a directive for police officers to focus on arrests and to use deadly force against suspected criminals only when necessary.

On Tuesday, a suspected drug pusher was killed in a reported shootout with anti-narcotics officers in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

Before the clash, Mangaldan said the suspect met with an undercover police officer along Ipil-Ipil Street for the sale of a loose firearm.

He added that when the operative handed over P21,000 in marked money as payment, Jiemark sensed that he was dealing with a cop.

The suspect allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the policeman but missed. The officer’s backup responded and shot the gunrunner multiple times.

Police officers rushed the suspect to the Pasig City General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Investigators retrieved 27 bullet casings and a deformed slug, indicating an intense firefight between the suspect and police officers.

“The Pasig City Police Station’s bravery and professionalism in the face of danger are truly commendable. Their dedication to keeping our community safe is evident in their successful operations,” Mangaldan said.