‘Narco-cop’ dies in shootout during Caloocan buy-bust

A police officer allegedly involved in trafficking illegal drugs was killed in a buy-bust operation in Caloocan City on Monday night.

Police identified the suspect as PO3 Ernesto Estrellas Jr., who was assigned at the District Special Operations Unit of the Northern Police District (NPD).

NPD report on Tuesday disclosed that Estrellas allegedly transacted with an undercover agent to sell shabu after his duty at around 8 p.m. along Dagat Dagatan Avenue in Barangay 14.

Estrella allegedly fled on board a motorcycle upon sensing that his buyer was a police officer, the report added.

Police said the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired at the pursuing lawmen when he was cornered.

Investigators said the responding policemen were compelled to retaliate, which then killed the suspect.

The suspect was rushed to Caloocan City Medical Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police recovered from the scene of encounter three sachets of suspected shabu, a fired bullet and two spent shells, a 9mm pistol, a bullet inside the gun’s chamber and magazine loaded with 11 live bullets. /jpv