PDEA agent wounded in Laguna shootout

MANILA, Philippines — An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency was wounded in a shootout with suspected drug pushers in Calamba City, Laguna on Sunday night.

The victim, identified only as Raffy, was with 10 other anti-narcotics agents during a drug sting in Barangay Real.

The targets of their operation were three men, including an alias Mark, who arrived in a sport utility vehicle at one of the city’s malls.

Police said the suspects, after sensing that they were dealing with undercover operatives, pulled out their guns and opened fire at Raffy.

The alleged shabu dealers sped off toward the national highway after the shooting.

Responders rushed Raffy to the nearby Pamana Hospital for treatment of injuries to the head.

A manhunt is underway for the suspects.

Meanwhile, one kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million was seized in San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan on Sunday.

The contraband was recovered from two suspects who were arrested by PDEA agents in Barangay Sapang Palay at around 6 p.m.

The suspects, identified only as Aga and Amo, were apprehended after they received bundles of marked money.

Apart from shabu, which was concealed in a vacuum-sealed pack, agents said they also confiscated two cell phones from the suspects.

The suspects are facing cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. — Ed Amoroso