Two policemen who accompanied a drug suspect targeted in a buy-bust operation were wounded after engaging Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents in a shootout Friday in Pasig City.
Investigation showed that Raymund Ryan Cruz brought along PO2 Marlou Roldan and PO2 Mark Vista to meet PDEA undercover agents at 4:35 p.m. on San Guillermo Ave. in Barangay Buting for the sale of 430 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P2.9 million.
During the operation, both cops sensed the sting and pulled out their guns, triggering the shootout.
Roldan, detailed at the Pasig City Police Community Precinct 9, suffered a bullet wound that led to his arrest. He was brought to the East Medical Center for treatment.
Police seized Roldan’s service firearm, his motorcycle, and nine plastic sachets of suspected shabu.
Roldan was previously assigned at the Pasig City Police Station Drug Enforcement Unit and was transferred to the PCP 9 last month.
Vista, assigned at the Eastern Police District Special Operations Unit, managed to escape but was later nabbed at the Rizal Medical Center in Pasig City where he sought treatment for multiple bullet wounds in the body.
PDEA agents said they were not aware that Roldan and Vista were policemen.
Cruz, 35, was arrested and the P2.9-million shabu in his possession seized.
Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Rizalito Gapas, Pasig City police chief, ordered the relief of Insp. Edward Olmedo, PCP 9 station commander.
“Nirelieve ko na ang PCP 9 commander pending investigation,” Gapas said. “Rest assured that the Pasig police will not tolerate its peers who are engaged in illegal activity,” he added. (Jhon Aldrin Casinas)
