A drug buy-bust operation against a noted drug pusher in Sierra Bullones led to a shootout between the suspect and arresting police officers on Wednesday afternoon.

According to SPO3 Conrad Butil of the Sierra Bullones police, alleged drug dealer Felix Ibarra, 35, who was initially able to escape after the brief gunfight was eventually subdued and arrested the next day.

No one was injured during the shootout in near Ibarra’s residence in Barangay Matin-ao.

Ibarra, who is listed in the town’s drug watch list, allegedly sold shabu worth P500 to a poseur-buyer but was able to notice that he was subjected to a staged drug transaction by the police at around 5 p.m.

Butil said that Ibarra pulled out pistol as he ran and shot at the arresting officers.

Police immediately fired back but Ibarra was able to flee towards a grassy area.

Authorities then launched a hot pursuit operation which led to the Ibarra’s arrest at 7 a.m. in Barangay Matin-ao.

Ibarra is now under Sierra Bullones police custody and is set to be charged with violations against the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (A. Doydora)