Police shot dead an alleged drug personality tagged in the killing of a drug pusher while a lawman was wounded in an operation in Taguig City early yesterday morning.
Taguig City Police said the suspect identified as Norodin Mamalinta alias Nolds succumbed to multiple bullet wounds in the body.
The wounded cop, PO1 Mark Anthony Budao, assigned to Western Bicutan Police Community Precinct (PCP-1), was rushed to Saint Luke’s Hospital in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) after sustaining a bullet wound. He is already in a stable condition.
Initial investigation showed that around 4:50 a.m., members of PCP-1 was conducting an anti-illegal drugs operation at Purok 9, PNR Site in Western Bicutan when they encountered Mamalinta.
“A brief chase ensued when the suspect fired at the PNP personnel, hitting P01 Budao,” police report said.
The lawmen were forced to retaliate, killing Mamalinta.
Based on initial report, no illegal drug was found in Mamalinta’s possession but police said he was a drug personality. It has yet to be established whether Mamalinta was also included in the barangay drugs watch list.
Mamalinta was one of the two suspects in the killing of a drug pusher identified as Rufo Daro, 51, last Sunday, according to Superintendent Jenny Tecson, Southern Police District chief information officer.
“Yes, he is the same person who killed Rufo Daro, a drug personality. Motive behind the killing is still under investigation,” Tecson said.
Daro was reportedly gunned down by Mamalinta and a certain Christian alias “Maeng” while walking along Purok 1, PNR Site, FTI Complex in Western Bicutan.
Investigators recovered nine slugs from a 9 mm pistol at the crime scene.
Police earlier confirmed that Daro was included in the barangay drugs watch list.
Police called on Mamalinta’s cohort to surrender as a follow-up operation is underway for his apprehension.
(Martin A. Sadongdong)