Rizal drug suspect killed in gunfight with cops

SAN PEDRO CITY – An illegal drug pusher was killed after he put up a fight against intelligence police officers in Baras town in Rizal province early Friday.

The suspect was identified through a driver’s license as Cristobal Bagtas, 48, from Morong, Rizal.

A report from the Rizal police office said authorities on Thursday night were tipped off about a supposed sale of illegal drugs in Barangay (village) Santiago. Undercover policemen manned the area until the suspect arrived on board a tricycle around 1:40 a.m.

As the police attempted to arrest the suspect, Bagtas drew out his gun and opened fire, the report said. This prompted the authorities to shoot back, killing Bagtas.

The police said they recovered five sachets of suspected “shabu” from the slain suspect. JE/rga