BY AARON RECUENCO
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) killed two suspected gunrunners in a buy-bust in Quezon City on Saturday night.
One of the slain suspects was identified as Johnny Radaza, reportedly a former member of the Waray-Waray criminal group which was engaged in kidnapping-for-ransom and other illegal activities before. The other fatality is still unidentified.
AKG director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said they immediately planned a buy-bust after one of their assets was able to negotiate for the purchase of two .45-caliber pistols from the group of Razada.
The transaction occurred at around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City. The bust was announced while one of the suspects started counting the money.
Estomo said one of the suspects allegedly pulled out a handgun which led to a brief gun battle. The two were declared dead in the hospital.
AKG spokesman Maj. Ronaldo Lumactod said Razada shifted to gunrunning activities and robbery after the key members and leaders of the Waray-Waray Group were either arrested or killed in various police operations.
He said Razada was tagged as responsible for the kidnap-for-ransom activities in Metro Manila, Laguna and Batangas in the past. (Aaron Recuenco)
