South Cotabato buy-bust: Cops kill fellow cop on gov’t drug list

KORONADAL CITY – Police operatives have killed a fellow police officer during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Magsaysay, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Region 12 police director Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco said lawmen was conducting a drug sting around 3:25 p.m. Monday against PO2 Ernie M. Sagabay, a policeman assigned in General Santos City.

But Rasco said during the operation, Sagabay, allegedly a high-value target on the government’s narcolist, suddenly drew his gun and fired at operatives as he sensed he was dealing with government agents.

A gun fight ensued between Sabagay and the policemen.

Sagabay was injured and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Recovered from Sagabay were four sachets of shabu and a cal. 38 revolver, according to police.

Rasco said Sagabay was arrested last July 10 for illegal possession of firearm during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Poblacion, also in Polomolok.

He was detained, but eventually posted bail and released. Sagabay was then reassigned to the regional office in General Santos City while waiting for the decision on the criminal and administrative charges filed against him.

Early this year, Sagabay was also involved in a shootout with a fellow police officer, also in Polomolok, Rasco said.  /kga/ac