An alleged drug pusher who had recently been released from prison after entering into a plea bargaining agreement was shot dead during a police anti-drug operation in Tagbilaran City on Wednesday morning, police said.
According to Tagbilaran City Police Station chief Lt. Col Christopher Navida, the fatality, Rodel Duallo, 26, of Barangay Nahawan, Clarin resisted arrest and shot at arresting police officers following a buy-bust operation at a rented two-story house along CPG Avenue in Barangay Cogon.
“Noong nalaman niya na ‘yong katransaction niya is PNP, law enforcement officers, inengage niya yung ating kapulisan which resulted na ‘yong ating kapulisan nag-retaliate which resulted to the armed encounter,” said Navida.
Anti-narcotics operatives of the Tagbilaran City police also arrested at the house Duallo’s girlfriend, Karen Torres, 19, and three others who, like Duallo, were tagged as suspects in robberies in Tagbilaran City and in some towns.
The three men identified as Micheal Comaling, 42 of Loay; Manuel Pojas of Sagbayan; and Gregorio Lorenzana of Sibunga, Cebu were arrested for illegal drug possession.
“Kaninang madaling araw nagkaroon tayo ng buy-bust operation which resulted to an encounter and the arrest of other drug personalities na involved din sa mga tulis and robbery dito sa ating area,” said Navida.
Navida said that Duallo and the other suspects have been renting the house for about two months.
Other residents in the area have complained about suspicious activities at the rented space prompting police to monitor Duallo who has been “in and out” of prison.
“Nagreklamo na ang mga homeowners dito dahil in and out yung tao kahit na hating gabi, early morning, wala ng pinipili na oras,” said Navida.
According to Navida, one police officer suffered a minor injury after he wounded himself as he took cover when shots were fired during the operation.
Duallo meanwhile died on the spot after reportedly sustaining two gunshot wounds in the head and one in the body.
Police recovered several packs of shabu from the suspects and a .45 caliber pistol inside the house.
Navida however has yet to issue the estimated amount of the seized drugs.