By RIA FERNANDEZ
Two alleged drug peddlers were killed in a shootout with police during a buy-bust operation in Tondo, Manila, early Saturday morning.
Police said the victims identified as alias “Novo”, 37, and alias “Jury”, both members of Sputnik Gang, allegedly shot it out with members of Manila Police District at Gate 14 of Parola Compound around 1:20 a.m.
Initial report revealed that Police Officer 2 Jayvee John Galutera, who served as poseur buyer, was able to purchase a sachet of “shabu” for R300 from the two.
But when the drug deal was done, one of the suspects sensed they were transacting with a cop. This prompted him to shout and fire his gun at Galutera who was wearing a bullet-proof vest.
Other members of the police team responded and neutralized the suspects during the exchange of fire.
Police rushed the duo to Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center but they were declared dead on arrival.
Probers recovered from the suspects 14 sachets of shabu and two .38-caliber revolvers.
Meanwhile, the firearms used by the police in the encounter were surrendered for forensic examination.
