Drug suspect slain in shootout with Valenzuela cops

MANILA, Philippines — A drug suspect was killed after he tried to shoot it out with three law enforcers during a buy-bust operation in Valenzuela City on Thursday evening. 

Members of Valenzuela police station Drug Enforcement Unit, led by Capt. Segundino Bulan, conducted the operation to entrap suspect Ramon Caparas, 50, along Road 3, Lingahan in Barangay Malanday at 7:39 p.m.

An undercover police officer was able to buy five pieces of plastic sachets containing shabu from Caparas but the suspect became suspicious and pulled out a gun.

Report said Caparas fired a few shots at the police officer but missed. He unloaded a few more rounds before two back-up policemen retaliated, hitting him in the body.  

Caparas was rushed to the Valenzuela City Emergency Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival at around 7:55 p.m.

Recovered from the scene were one caliber .38 revolver with three live ammunition; three fired cartridge cases; four fired cartridge cases; six plastic sachets containing marijuana leaves; 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu; and marked money worth P1,000.

Police will conduct further investigation of the incident. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)