High-value drug suspect killed in Makati shootout

Slain suspect Rolando Abundo alias “Bagyo.” Photo from NCRPO

MANILA, Philippines — A high-value drug suspect was killed in a shootout with the police in Makati City Wednesday night.

Police identified the suspect as Rolando Abundo alias “Bagyo,” who was the subject of a search warrant implemented by joint elements of the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of the National Capital Region Police Office, Makati City Police, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency along P. Taylo Street in Barangay Pio del Pilar in Makati City.

The suspect allegedly opened fire at the operatives who were serving the search warrant. According to a police report, the operatives returned fire, killing the suspect on the spot

Police also arrested eight of Abundo’s alleged cohorts, including two who were injured during the shootout.

The injured suspects were brought to Pasay City General Hospital, police said.

Recovered at the scene were several sachets of suspected “shabu” weighing around 500 grams and with a street value of P3.4 million.

Also recovered from the crime scene were several drug paraphernalia, firearms, grenades, and an undetermined amount of cash.

According to police, the suspects are member of a criminal gang engaged in drug trafficking and gun-for-hire activities in southern Metro Manila and Cavite. They were the subject of anti-illegal drug operations for two months, police said.

Criminal charges are now being prepared for filing against the arrested suspects, police said.  /muf