A police officer looks at body of one of the suspects. Contributed photos
SAN JOSE CITY – Three suspected peddlers of illegal drugs, reportedly each armed with .38 caliber revolver, were killed in a firefight after selling stuff to undercover policemen in Sitio, Pacac, Barangay Abar 2nd here shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday.
Police identified the suspects who all died instantly as Noel Fernando, a certain Ambet, and a certain Larry.
Lt. Col. Heryl Bruno, city police chief, said the buy-bust operation was conducted in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency upon confirming the suspects’ illicit activity.
Police have yet to divulge other circumstances regarding the suspects, including addresses.
Investigation showed the suspects arrived in the area on board a Ford Fiesta with registration plates POW 975 and a blue Mitsubishi Adventure with plates APA 1075 and readily transacted with the undercover lawmen.
Operatives were about to effect arrest after “the transaction was consummated” but the suspects allegedly fired upon the troops.
“That ensued a firefight hitting the suspects fatally,” police said.
Probers recovered from the scene eight sachets of suspected shabu aside from the three revolvers and the vehicles.