Drug suspect killed, 3 arrested in Davao del Norte buy-bust

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Philippines – A person was killed and three others were apprehended in an anti-illegal drug operation by police in a coastal village here on Saturday, authorities on Sunday said.

Roger Lumanta alias Bapa Roger succumbed to gunshot wounds after a brief firefight with lawmen following a buy-bust operation at Purok (Community) 2, Barangay (village) Madaum around 4 p.m., said Senior Superintendent Samuel Gadingan, Davao del Norte police chief.

Arrested during the raid were Jeffrey Valenzuela, Joni Musa and his brother Rolly, all residents of the village.

Gadingan said elements from the Davao del Norte Police Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) carried out the operation following a lengthy surveillance against Lumanta.

Lumanta allegedly opened fire after sensing he was dealing drugs with an undercover policeman, sparking a brief chase and exchange of fire that eventually killed him.

Lawmen recovered several sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and drug paraphernalia from the suspects as well as a homemade cal. 38 revolver and pieces of ammunition from the slain man.

Police also seized varying amounts of cash, cellular phones and a motorcycle during the operation.

Police have been preparing charges for violation of anti-drug law against the apprehended suspects, the police official said.

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