LUPAO, Nueva Ecija – A suspected peddler of illegal drugs was killed in a firefight with operatives of the municipal police in a buy-bust operation at around 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Police identified the suspect as Romnick Garces, of Barangay San Josef Sur, Cabanatuan City who reportedly sold one sachet of shabu for P500 to an undercover anti-narcotics policeman. Cabanatuan City is approximately 55.9 kilometers south of this municipality.
Forensic investigators also recovered the suspect’s .38 revolver, said SSgt. Ruben Erjas, investigator. The suspect’s cohort, he said, eluded arrest on board a motorcycle.
“The suspect sensed that he was dealing with policemen, suddenly drew his firearm and fired upon operatives,” said Erjas said.
In Cabanatuan City, local drug enforcement operatives arrested Royce Pestaño, married, tricycle driver from Barangay Dicarma here and his relative Ramoncito Pestaño, of Royal Mansion, Greenhills, Mandaluyong City in an anti-drugs sting in Barangay Caridad at about 9:20 a.m. Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Barnard Danie Dasugo, city police chief, said operatives initially bought from the suspects one sachet of shabu. But 13 more sachets, for the total volume of 50.24 grams worth P341,632, were covered after the arrest.
Dasugo said charges of violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law were filed against the suspect.
