SARIAYA, Quezon – A suspected “big-time” drug suspect was killed in an encounter with police operatives about to serve two search warrants at his residence in Barangay Concepcion Banahaw Sariaya, here, before dawn on Saturday.

Quezon police director Colonel Ledon Monte said the suspect, 44, a former drug surrenderee, suffered bullet wounds during the shootout and died instantly.

Monte said prior to the encounter, joint elements of the Sariaya Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), and 1st Provincial Police Mobile Force Company arrived at the vicinity of the house at 4:30 a.m. to serve two search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

“But upon seeing the policemen, Mendoza opened fire using two calibers .45 pistols while running away from the house. With that, the lawmen were forced to retaliate and run after him until he was finally pinned down,” said Monte.

Sariaya police station chief Lt. Col. Rommel Sobrido said the operatives recovered four plastic sachets weighing six grams of shabu valued at P122,400, two loaded cal. 45 pistols, and 12 fired cartridges for said caliber.

Upon background checking, Sobrido said the suspect was arrested by operatives of his station on November 14, 2017, for illegal possession of a firearm during the implementation of a search warrant issued by Judge Agripino G. Morga of San Pablo City Regional Trial Court, Branch 29-32.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Gemi Formaran