Alleged drug trafficker dies in shootout with cops in Leyte

Police line. Stock Photo

TACLOBAN CITY — An alleged notorious drug pusher was killed in what law enforcers said was a shootout in Merida town, Leyte province on Tuesday, March 21.

Rodcir Maraviles, a resident of Barangay Libertad, Ormoc City, reportedly drew and fired his gun at the policemen, prompting the latter to retaliate, according to a report from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in Palo town, Leyte.

Seized during the operation were illegal drugs worth P30,000.

Operatives of the regional drug enforcement unit, together with the local police of Merida, conducted an operation against the suspect in Barangay Poblacion, Merida town, at about 4:40 p.m. on Tuesday.

One of the anti-narcotics agents, posing as a drug buyer, bought a sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect.

After the transaction, the police government agents ran toward the suspect, who reportedly drew his gun and fired at them.

The police officers, in return, fired back, hitting him in the different parts of his body.

The suspect was brought to the Ormoc District Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival by an attending physician.

Maraviles was said to be a high-value target and ranked number two among the regional top priority targets.

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JPV