Alleged drug pusher killed in Batangas buy-bust

SAN PEDRO CITY — Police killed an alleged drug pusher, who yielded 25 grams of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) valued approximately P87,500, in Laurel town in Batangas province early Monday morning.

Authorities identified the suspect Regieh Endozo Landicho, 39. He was killed during the anti-illegal drug operation.

Batangas police chief Col. Edwin Quilates said in a report that members of Laurel police and Highway Patrol Group conducted a buy-bust operation around 3 a.m. in Barangay (village) Balakilong.

Apparently sensing he was dealing with operatives, police said the suspect suddenly drew his .38 caliber gun and fired at authorities during the drug sting, prompting policemen to shoot him down.

Police said Landicho died while he was being brought to Dr. Ernesto Malabanan Hospital.

In January 2015, Landicho was arrested for illegal drug pushing and was released from jail in November 2018 under a plea bargaining agreement, according to police. /kga