Suspected drug pusher killed in Laguna buy-bust

SAN PEDRO CITY — Another suspected illegal drug pusher was killed in a police buy-bust operation in Calamba City, Laguna on Friday evening.

In a text message, Laguna police director Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta said the slain suspect identified as Jerico Cabauatan, alias “Diego,” a resident of Barangay  Sirang Lupa in Calamba City, was included in the police’s watchlist for drugs.

Matta said members of the intelligence and city police carried out the buy-bust around 7 p.m. in Barangay Mayapa. During the transaction, the suspect reportedly drew out a gun and opened fire, triggering a shootout.  Cabauatan was killed on the spot.

Police said they recovered .38 caliber gun, P1,000 in cash, and a sachet of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth).

Earlier in the day, Police Officer 3 Jennyson Serrano and Fernando Sevilla were also slain in separate shootouts with the police in Sta. Cruz and Cabuyao City, respectively.

Matta said they have arrested 76 suspects in simultaneous anti-crime operations in the province as of 8 p.m. /ee