The Tagbilaran City police assured the public that authorities who have shot and killed drug suspects during various anti-drug operations in the city did not violate the law or disregard the slain or wounded’s human rights.

According to Tagbilaran City police chief, Superintendent George Vale, suspects should undergo due process. However, some encounters led to shootouts and the death of alleged criminals, particularly as suspects fought back in some of the recent police operations.

Authorities prioritize the capture of suspects during raids, and those who have been killed in the recent police operations chose to meet their untimely deaths by fighting arresting operatives, Vale said.

As the number of deaths during police operations grow, he also urged those who engage in criminal activities to surrender to authorities to avoid such bloodshed.

Last Sunday, Rogaciano “Tano” Omus Jr., a resident of Pamaong St. in the city, was shot and killed by the police during a buy-bust operation after the suspect fired his .38 caliber revolver.

He was among the latest to have been killed during a police anti-drug operation in the city.

The spate of killed drug suspects is also reported in areas outside the province’s capital.

Rico Hernani, a resident of Prk 5, Barangay Lourdes, Panglao, was also killed in a buy-bust operation in the said town after the suspect engaged in a shootout against arresting officers. (with reports from Allen Doydora)