“Drug pusher” killed in Danao shootout

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher died in a shootout with police in Poblacion, Danao City on Wednesday.

Rey Piamonte of Barangay Tuburan Sur died of gunshot wounds to the face and chest. The bullet apparently pierced through the chest of Piamonte, who was reportedly wearing a bullet proof vest.

Prior to the incident, Danao Police Station received a call at around 3 a.m. about an armed person along F. Ralota Street, prompting its personnel to respond, said Police Officer 3 Nelson Pantoja.

The policemen arrived and reportedly saw Piamonte handing over a pack of suspected shabu to two men who were later identified as Lee Rota, 33, and Niño Sabalande, 26.

Piamonte saw the police officers and reportedly fired two shots at them, but missed.

“Kay namiligro na man ang kahimtang nila (police), mibalos sila og pabuto. Mao ‘to pagresbak nila naigo ang dughan ug nawong niya,” narrated Pantoja.

Piamonte was brought to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City but was declared dead on arrival.

A cal. 38 revolver with ammunition, a bullet proof vest, and a medium-size pack of suspected shabu were found from the suspect’s body.

The police pursued Rota and Sabalande resulting to their arrest. Rota was seized with two shabu packs and a pack of illegal drugs was confiscated from Sabalande.

A charge for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against them.

Meanwhile, a man was gunned down by his neighbor after an argument Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Nangka, Balamban town.

Pedro Serenio, 39, died at the hospital after he was shot thrice by Roldan Piloto.

The victim was reportedly at a sari-sari store buying something when Piloto arrived on a motorcycle and both of them figured in a heated argument.

At the height of the argument, the suspect reportedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing.  (FREEMAN)