2 drug pushers killed in Albay buy-bust

LEGAZPI CITY—Two suspected drug pushers were killed in a buy-bust operation in Oas town in Albay province Friday afternoon, police said.

Chief Insp. Domingo Tapel Jr., Oas police chief, said Ziegfred Bustamante, alias “Dong,” and Domingo Nepomuceno Jr. were the targets of a buy-bust operation in Barangay (village) Ilaor Norte around 5 p.m.

Police reports said they drew their firearms, prompting police officers to shoot them.

Village chief Lilia Rances said the suspects had voluntarily surrendered but allegedly continued with their illegal drug activities. Chief Insp. Dennis Balla, deputy chief of provincial police intelligence, said Bustamante was number 5 on the drug watchlist in Albay.

Mayor Domingo “Ging” Escoto Jr. said the incident should serve as caution to the 563 addicts and pushers who had surrendered not to engage in drugs again.