Cop, drug suspect slain in Pasig shootout

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman and a suspected drug pusher were killed in a shootout during an anti-illegal drug operation in Pasig City yesterday.

Police Officer 3 Wilfredo Gueta died at around 2:50 p.m. while being treated at Rizal Medical Center for gunshot wounds in the chest while alleged pusher Roberto Llaguno was declared dead on arrival at RMC. 

Police Officer 1 Raymond dela Cruz is being treated at RMC for a bullet wound in the left leg, said Pasig police chief Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra Jr.

The shootout occurred a few hours after Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Biay assumed command of the Eastern Police District during a simple turnover ceremony at around 7:30 a.m.

Yebra said his office held a Christmas party yesterday but a team from the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) and a follow-up team headed by Gueta and Dela Cruz staged an operation to verify reports that Llaguno, listed in the city police’s drug watchlist, was involved in the illegal drug trade.

Llaguno reportedly appeared to be waiting for clients along Katarungan street in Barangay Caniogan at around noon when he saw the lawmen approach.

Quoting Dela Cruz, Pasig police investigation chief Senior Inspector Roberto Garcia said Llaguno ran into a house with Gueta in pursuit.

Before Gueta could enter, shots rang out and Gueta was hit in the chest. Though wounded, Gueta and Dela Cruz still engaged Llaguno and his unidentified companion in a shootout.

Llaguno’s companion escaped, bringing along the suspect’s firearm.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said he hopes Gueta’s death “would erase suspicion that we are making up our statistics in the war against illegal drugs.”

Albayalde said he would recommend Gueta’s posthumous promotion and a medal for Dela Cruz.