Cop kills drug suspect in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher was shot dead by a police officer during a sting in Pasig City at dawn yesterday.

Rodolfo Cruz, 24, was declared dead on arrival at the Pasig City General Hospital from multiple gunshots to the body.

Cruz allegedly yielded a loaded .38-caliber revolver, six sachets of shabu and P100 in marked money.

Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, director of the Eastern Police District, said Cruz was on the drug watchlist of Barangay Sta. Lucia.

Policemen headed by Superintendent Hendrix Mangaldan said they conducted an operation against Cruz after receiving information that he was allegedly pushing drugs.

Police Officer 1 Sherwin Gagtan allegedly managed to buy a sachet of shabu from Cruz along Eastbank Road at past 2 a.m.

When Cruz noticed that he was dealing with police, he allegedly opened fire, prompting Gagtan to returned fire.

Anti-crime drive nets 306

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy was among the 306 people arrested by police during an anti-crime drive in the eastern part of Metro Manila in the past two days.

Operatives of the Pasig police said they were conducting “One Time Big Time” operations in Barangay Manggahan when they noticed the minor with a gun tucked in his waist.

Police Officer 3 Danilo Damasco said the boy did not resist arrest.

The minor is being held by police on charges of illegal possession of firearms.

A police team headed by Senior Inspector Diogenes Gaoaen apprehended 195 more suspects for various offenses in Pasig.

Gaoaen said 14 were nabbed for illegal drugs; 18 for illegal gambling; 75 for drinking and smoking in public places and 82 for violating city ordinances, while five were wanted persons.

In Marikina, police rounded up 86 persons, including four drug suspects.

In Mandaluyong, 25 persons were arrested by authorities for violating various city ordinances.