Drug suspect shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — A man considered to be a high-value target was killed after he resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation conducted by the City Intelligence Branch of the Mandaue City Police Office in San Vicente Ferrer, Barangay Tabok, around 8:30 p.m. last Thursday.

Police said the fatality was suspected pusher Danilo Balabag, 32. They were able to arrest his brother June Balabag, 24. Both were residents of the place.

Police Major Ramil Morpos, chief of the MCPO Precinct 3, said before conducting the operation they received reports of two brothers selling shabu in the area.

While the transaction to buy drugs was taking place, Danilo allegedly realized he was dealing with policemen, pulled out a gun, and shot at them. Policemen positioned in the perimeter of the area were quick to respond at shot Balabag.

Confiscated from Balabag was a snub-nosed .22 cal. revolver with four live rounds, .18 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,224, and the buy-bust money.

Balabag was still rushed to the Mandaue District Hospital but he didn’t make it there alive.

Meanwhile, a minor was arrested by personnel of the Mambaling Police Station in another buy-bust operation in Sitio Chicago, Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City, around 2 a.m. last Friday.

Police Captain Francis Renz Talosig, chief of the Mambaling Police Station, along with personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, led the operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect, a 17-year-old resident of Sitio Avocado Street, Barangay Mambaling.

Seized from the minor was 120 grams of suspected shabu estimated at P816,000 and the buy-bust money. — BRP (FREEMAN)