By MARTIN SADONGDONG
A DRUG suspect, dubbed as a high-value target (HVT) in Laguna, was shot dead by police while two of his alleged cohorts were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Calamba City Monday night.
Superintendent Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson of Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A), identified the slain suspect as Ponciano Deticio, alias Potpot, listed as the number one in the provincial list of HVTs.
During the operation, police arrested Elmer Dimaano, 40, and Eunice Eliorda, 23, both also in the drugs watch list of Calamba City.
Gaoiran said that joint elements of Laguna police’s Intelligence Branch (PIB), Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and Calamba City Police Station (CPS) conducted the operation in Sitio Pianson, Barangay Barandal at 8:52 p.m.
A police report reaching Camp Crame said Deticio was transacting with a police poseur-buyer when he realized that he was actually dealing with a cop.
The suspect suddenly ran even before the transaction was completed and the poseur-buyer could issue the secret signal to the arresting team.
Deticio allegedly fired shots toward the poseur-buyer during the chase while the two cohorts ducked for cover, the report said.
Following a brief firefight, Deticio was found dead with wounds in the head and body.
The Laguna police’s Intelligence Branch, led by Senior Police Officer 2 Norberto Corachea, said Deticio’s main operations are focused in Calamba.
Police recovered a caliber .45 pistol and four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.
The body of Deticio was brought to a funeral home while the arrested suspects were brought to the Laguna police headquarters.
Charges for possession of dangerous drugs under the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects.