Drug peddler killed in Talisay City buy-bust

Suspect resisted arrest, fired at police during operation

A high-value individual was shot dead during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Lawaan III, Talisay City, Cebu, past 1 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2020. | Photot Courtesy of Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlu Conag

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) killed a drug peddler who resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Lawaan III, Talisay City, Cebu around 1:13 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2020.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlu Conag, head of the PIB told reporters that the suspect, identified as JC Dacuma Caballero, 27, and a resident of the area, drew out his firearms first during the buy-bust transaction.

He said that Caballero was able to sense he was transacting with policemen and fired, but failed to hit any of the policemen.

Conag said the arresting officers fired back in self defense and managed to hit Caballero.

The police immediately called for a medical rescue team to bring Caballero to the hospital but the suspect died before reaching the hospital.

According to Conag, Caballero was a high-value individual whom they have been monitoring for about a week now, but has been mentioned by previously arrested drug suspects.

Conag said they were able to monitor the location of Caballero when a family member filed a complaint after learning that Caballero has been using his nephews, who were minors, as drug couriers.

A total of at least P27,472 worth of illegal drugs or 4 grams of suspected shabu was seized from Caballero’s possession. /bmjo