CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – An alleged notorious drug pusher was killed when he shot it out with a policeman during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bancal, Meycauayan City, at dawn yesterday.
Senior Supt. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., acting Bulacan police director, said the suspect, Rodelio dela Cruz alias “Kulot”, a resident of Camia St., Barangay Bancal, died when he exchanged fire with the cop who served as a poseur-buyer of shabu.
Citing the report of Supt. Lailene Amparo, Meycauayan City Police officer in charge, Caramat said they coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 3 for the conduct of a drug sting after confirming complaints about the suspect’s illegal drugs trade in his place.
Dela Cruz reportedly fired successive shots at the poseur-buyer after sensing that the latter is a cop.
The said police officer returned fire, hitting Dela Cruz in the chest and abdomen.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of Bulacan recovered from the crime scene 38 pieces of heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu, a .38-caliber revolver, a P1,000 bill, and four pieces of peso bills used as buy-bust money, and several drug paraphernalia.
Caramat said the slain suspect was listed Number 1 drug personality in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) watchlist, and also involved in robbery and snatching cases. (Freddie C. Velez)