CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A member of the Calabarzon police drug enforcement unit was killed in an alleged shootout that broke out during a sting in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Monday night.
Cpl. Anthony John Martinez died at the scene of the incident that occurred along Nido street in Barangay San Esteban at past 11 p.m.
The anti-drug operation also resulted in the arrest of Jeffrey Alejos, 42, said to be the leader of a drug syndicate and the target of the sting.
A manhunt was launched for Alejos’ companions, who escaped during the firefight.
Reports said that Martinez and his fellow officers as well as an informant conducted a sting, with S/Sgt. Franz Zorilla posing as a buyer.
One of the suspects reportedly became suspicious and shot Martinez, triggering a firefight.
Probers said they recovered from the scene seven plastic sachets said to contain shabu.