A first in Capiz: suspected drug pusher gunned down

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Police gunned down a suspected pusher in a buy-bust operation in Roxas City in Capiz early Wednesday.

Mark Anthony Sorongon, 48, is the first suspected pusher killed in Capiz since the Philippine National Police launched a massive campaign against illegal drugs on July 1.

READ: THE KILL LIST

Sorongon allegedly tried to shoot a police operative during the operation at 1:35 a.m. along Arnaldo Boulevard in Barangay Baybay in Roxas City, according to a report of the Capiz Provincial Police Office.

The gun misfired after the policeman slapped Sorongon’s hand and another policeman shot the suspect.

Sorongon was brought to Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital but was pronounced dead by physicians.

Police recovered 14 sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu from Sorongon’s pocket and car, a .45-caliber pistol with five rounds of ammunition and a digital weighing scale.

Nine suspected pushers have been killed in police operations in Western Visayas since July 1, allegedly after they fought back against policemen.