Drug suspect gunned down in Laguna buy-bust

SAN PEDRO CITY, Philippines – A drug suspect was gunned down in a buy bust operation in Calamba City, Laguna on Monday evening, police said on Tuesday.

In a text message, Senior Supt. Eleazar Matta, Laguna police chief, identified the suspect only as a certain Daryl.

He said police have yet to confirm the man’s last name but local authorities said he previously surrendered to undergo rehabilitation during the early years of the government’s program against illegal drugs.

Matta said the suspect was also allegedly involved in robbery cases in Calamba City.

Matta said a buy bust operation was conducted at around 10:35 p.m. in Barangay Makiling.

He said the suspect carried five sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) but suddenly opened fire when he apparently realized the sting.

Police shot back and instantly killed the suspect, who had a .45 caliber pistol. / gsg