1 dies, another injured in buy-bust operation

CEBU, Philippines — A man dies while another was hurt in an armed encounter during a buy-bust operation at Sitio ICM, Villagonzalo 2, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City.

The suspect, identified as Ricardo Solante Valdueza, 51, was shot dead after shooting another person who turned out to be his neighbor, Joel Juaon Ouano, 53, when he tried to escape from arrest.

Ricardo's wife, Barbra Natividad Valdueza, 46, was arrested for allegedly being Ricardo's accomplice in the illegal drug trade.

Police Major Joemar Pomarejos of the Waterfront Police Station said the original subject of the buy-bust operation was Ricardo who was considered a high-value target.

However, in the conduct of the buy-bust, Ricardo's wife joined in the transaction.

When the couple noticed they were transacting with a police personnel, Ricardo allegedly ran to elude the arrest.

He reportedly went at the back area and reached the perimeters of Ouano’s compound.

Pomarejos believed that when Ricardo saw Ouano, the suspect panicked and shot the victim. Ouano sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach.

By then, the police were able to corner Ricardo and was able to immobilize him after he retaliated with the authorities.

Ricardo was still rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Authorities were able to recover at least five grams of suspected shabu valued at P34,000 and a .45 caliber pistol from Ricardo’s possession.

Meanwhile, about P7 million worth of Marijuana plants were uprooted in the raid by the Provincial Mobile Force Company sa Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO-PMFC) and the Balamban Police Station at Sitio Quo, Barangay Gaas, Balamban, Cebu last Wednesday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Rene Kyamko of the PMFC and Police Major Christian Torres of the Balamban Police Station led the operation.

About 10,500 Marijuana plants were uprooted and recovered during the operation at around 5 a.m. last Wednesday.

Torres said that while they were already descending after the operation, they saw two men planting marijuana plants.

The police identified the suspects are Junie Alicaba and Juanito Ocariza, who are both residents in the area, and are included in the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) list in Balamban.

Torres added that they are intensifying its operation against marijuana, especially in the isolated areas.

The authorities have burned down the plants, and just took some with them as evidence.

A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 section 11 will be filed against the two.  GAN (FREEMAN)