Suspect killed, P20.4 million shabu seized in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines — A drug suspect died in a shootout with police authorities during a buy-bust operation that also yielded P20.4 million worth of shabu in Barangay Catarman, Cordova town yesterday dawn.

The suspect was identified as Joven Engalan Silong, 28 years old, a resident of Sitio Mahayahay 2, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City who also worked as a delivery rider.

Plt. Colonel Robert Lingbawan, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Unit, said they were able to retrieve Silong’s bag containing about three kilos of suspected shabu from valued at P20.4 million.

Lingbawan said Silong could dispose of up to 10 kilos of illegal drugs every week. He allegedly sourced his supplies from Mindanao that were shipped by vessel to Cebu.

Lingbawan also said that Silong’s contact was from National Bilibid Prison.

During the operation, Silong allegedly noticed that he was transacting with a police poseur-buyer. Thus, he allegedly drew his .45 pistol which also prompted the authorities to shoot the suspect.

Silong was hit in the different parts of his body, which led to his death. — JMD (FREEMAN)