MANILA, Philippines – A newly – retired police officer who is also a drug suspect was killed in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City before dawn on Monday.
Crime scene investigators secure the scene of a shootout where a drug suspect, who was also a retired police officer was killed during a drug buy-bust operation in Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of PNP-IMEG)
Retired Cpl. Tirso Agustin Lactaotao, 48, died in a buy-bust launched by the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) in Barangay Novaliches Proper at 12:25 a.m.
The operation was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group of the National Capital Region Police Office and Calabarzon police.
According to a report from PNP-IMEG, the operation led to a shootout when the Lactaotao suddenly opened fire when he apparently sensed that he was transacting with an undercover police officer.
He was rushed to hospital bt as declared dead on arrival due to gunshot wounds.
Among the items recovered from the fatality’s possession were seven sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth), two cellphones, a .9mm pistol, three spent shells for a .9mm pistol, and Philippine National Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency identification cards.
Lactaotao availed of optional retirement from the PNP in November.
According to IMEG, the operation was part of the crackdown against police officers involved in recycling or peddling illegal drugs. IMEG is the police unit tasked to run after erring police personnel.
Police said that based on intelligence reports, Lactaotao has been involved in the illegal drug trade.