Ex-inmate dead in Tarlac shootout

LAPAZ, TARLAC — A man who was recently freed from prison was killed here on Tuesday after resisting arrest and engaging policemen in a shootout, police said.

Jhon Paul Aguilar alias “Japet Aguilar,” a resident of Barangay Abagon in Gerona town, fired shots at the policemen during a buy-bust operation at Barangay Balanoy here, prompting police to shoot back.

Aguilar, who was included in the police’s drugs watch list, died on the spot.

PO2 Henry Nunag suffered a bullet wound on his left foot during the encounter and was taken to Ramos General Hospital in Tarlac City for medical treatment.

Police recovered from Aguilar two sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) and his caliber .38-revolver.

Aguilar had been previously imprisoned for drug charges and was freed last January, said Chief Insp. Joshua Gonzales, chief of Lapaz police. Maria Adelaida Calayag /lzb