An alleged drug pusher was shot dead by anti-narcotics operatives of the Tagbilaran City police in a buy-bust operation at 4 p.m. on Friday along J. Borja St. in the city.
The fatality, identified as Cyril Ostia, a resident of Brgy. Guiwanon, Baclayon, reportedly engaged the City Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group in a shootout inside his rented apartment.
According to police, Ostia became suspicious after conducting a drug transaction with police poseur-buyer prompting him to pull out his .38 caliber revolver.
The suspect allegedly shot at police but missed.
Police operatives led by SPO4 Yolando Bagotchay stationed around the buy-bust area immediately fired back hitting Ostia above his right eye, in his left cheek and neck.
Personnel of TarSIER 117 rushed Ostia to the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital but the suspect succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, crime scene investigators recovered suspected shabu worth P34,000, the .38 caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia including a syringe and lighter from Ostia’s possession.
According to the Tagbilaran City police chief, Supt. Nicomedes Olaivar, the said operation which led to the shootout was set up after intelligence police officers spotted Ostia selling drugs in the said location.
Ostia was previously arrested for drugs but had posted bail for his temporary liberty. (Rey Tutas and Willy Maestrado)
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