Cops serving warrant ‘retaliate,’ kill pusher
CEBU, Philippines - Joining the death toll in the country's war on illegal drugs, a 26-year-old alleged drug pusher was killed by police in Barangay South Poblacion, Naga City, Cebu Thursday dawn.
Suspect Jake Hernane reportedly shot at the police first, prompting them to fire back, hitting him in the chest. His two alleged cohorts were arrested.
Policemen from Naga City Police Station were armed with a search warrant for possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia when they went to Hernane's residence at Sitio Price Gas.
The warrant was issued against Hernane by Judge Jerry Dicdican of the Regional Trial Court Branch 25.
When policemen arrived in the area, Hernane allegedly shot at them once, prompting the operatives to retaliate.
Hernane sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and was brought to Minglanilla District hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
His alleged cohorts, Cresanto Cabalde, 32, and Moises Mantuhak Jr., 37, were reportedly around the area during the operation and were placed under arrest.
According to Hernane's neighbors, he gets wild and even points his gun to somebody whenever he gets drunk.
"Magmaoy siya, mag-wild, usahay manion unya magpasalba," they said.
The suspect's wife Emily Hernane, 28, refuted such claim, saying her husband did not aim his gun to anyone, although she confessed that he had a gun.
She also admitted that her husband was into illegal drugs, but this was allegedly when he was still younger.
During the police operation, Emily further said her husband did not fight with the police.
Police confiscated two cal. 45 pistols, live rounds and cartridges, and an improvised gun at the suspect's residence and a cal. 38 revolver from his Toyota Corrola (XAJ 829).
A pack of shabu was also recovered from the car and three others at the suspect's house, police said.
The drugs weighed almost 22 grams and were estimated to be worth P225,000.
The two suspects arrested are now detained and will be facing charges. (FREEMAN)
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