Police raided a suspected drug den in Mandaluyong yesterday, killing two suspects, but the target of the operation escaped.
Confusion reigned in a crowded compound in Barangay Addition Hills when fully-armed policemen arrived to serve a search warrant against Dexter Corpuz, alias Bornok.
Corpuz, however, managed to escape by jumping off at the far end of the dimly-lit narrow compound, according to police. A broken fence hidden by planks of plywood served as exit door.
Corpuz’s two neighbors, however, fired at the approaching policemen and were promptly killed.
Joselito Aldon, 53, alias Pepe Smith, suffered multiple gunshot wounds after allegedly resisting arrest. He was declared dead on arrival at Mandaluyong Medical Center.
The body of Jerry Ignacio, alias Puyo, was also taken out by investigators following a shootout just a few doors away from Aldon’s residence.
Police said Ignacio held a gun and attempted to shoot at them.
Police also arrested Manuel Gozagaron, Allan Calimlim, and Arjay Corpuz.
“Kakauwi ko lang galing trabaho. Natutulog lang nga ako eh,” Corpuz, 29, choked in tears. He said he is raising two small children and feared for his life.
All three had previously surrendered to barangay authorities under Oplan Tokhang.
In Pasig City, a 46- year old widower, who was listed in the drug watch list, died from gunshot wounds inflicted by unidentified male suspects Monday night.
Police identified the victim as Arnel Imperial, jobless and a resident of Sampaloc street in Barangay Kalawaan.
Imperial was sitting outside his home at about 6:15 p.m. when the two suspects appeared and shot him.
The victim was rushed to Rizal Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police recovered three fired cartridge cases from the crime scene.
Meanwhile in Mandaluyong City, police shot dead a known drug pusher in a buy bust operation 6 p.m. on Monday.
Authorities identified the suspect as Raul Pamitan, alias Popoy from Barangay Addition hills.
Pamitan, realizing he was dealing with undercover cops, ran up to the third floor of the building, rushed to his room for his gun and tried to shoot at the chasing lawmen before he was felled by a hail of bullets.
Authorities recovered the buy-bust money worth R500 and plastic sachets of suspected shabu. (JENNY MANONGDO)