Suspected gold swindler killed in Tacurong sting operation

TACURONG CITY – Police authorities killed a suspected gold bar swindler here during an operation on Sunday.

Supt. Aldrin Gonzales, the spokesperson of the Central Mindanao police, said on Monday that an entrapment operation was laid against the suspect, identified only as Dodong Santillana, following complaints from several of his victims.

But Gonzales said when Santillana sensed he was dealing with policemen, he suddenly drew a handgun. This prompted law enforcers to shoot the suspect.

Recovered from him was the handgun and several sachets of shabu, according to Gonzales.

The policemen rushed Santillana to the hospital but he died along the way. His common law wife, Rubelyn Lanto, was subsequently arrested.