‘Drug dealer’ killed in police shootout

CEBU, Philippines — A suspected drug peddler listed on the priority watchlist of Police Regional Office-7 was killed after allegedly shooting it out with the law enforcers during a buy-bust operation Monday evening in Sitio Afro, Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) chief Police Col. Arnel Banzon identified the suspect as Mario Baylosis, 43, a resident of Sitio Kalapukan, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

Baylosis was considered a high-value target and among the top 10 drug personalities on the priority list of the police in Central Visayas. He was previously arrested in Cebu City also for illegal drugs but was released soon after entering a plea bargaining agreement where he pleaded guilty to a lesser offense.

Soon after his release from jail, Baylosis reportedly return to his illegal activities. His operation was big enough that he can dispose of at least 500 grams of shabu every week.

"Dako-dako ni siya, mo-dispose ni siya og up to 500 grams kada semana, mao tong ang kagahapon ilang transaction kay 50 grams, sa nahitabo ang na recover na illegal drugs sa iyaha mokabat og 500 grams," said Banzon.

The operation that led to Baylosis’ death was a follow up of an earlier drug bust conducted by the operatives of the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) of LLCPO in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City last Saturday evening.

During the operation another high-value target, Ronel Pianiar, 32, was also killed after he allegedly engaged the police in a shootout. Banzon said they found out during the investigation that Baylosis and Pianiar had the same source of illegal drugs.

According to the police, Baylosis attempted to shoot the undercover police officer after he suspected that he was transacting with a law enforcer prompting the other members of the team to respond.

Baylosis was shot and was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The police recovered from his possession at least P3.4 million worth of shabu and a .38 caliber revolver.— FPL (FREEMAN)