KILLED IN BUY-BUST. Police officers inspect the area where a buy-bust operation resulted in the death of drug suspect, retired Cpl. Tirso Lactaotao in Barangay Novaliches Proper in Quezon City on Monday (Dec. 9, 2019). The operation stemmed from intelligence reports about rampant drug-dealing in Rizal and nearby provinces involving Lactaotao. (Photo courtesy of IMEG)
MANILA -- A newly-retired policeman was killed in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City early Monday.
Col. Ronald Lee, acting director of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG), identified the suspect as Cpl. Tirso Lactaotao, 48, who availed of optional retirement in November.
At around 12:30 a.m. on Monday, a buy-bust was implemented along Austria St., Barangay Novaliches Proper, Quezon City after IMEG operatives were able to convince the suspect to sell shabu in the area.
Lee said during the operation, the retired cop sensed that he was dealing with policemen.
"The operation resulted in an armed encounter when the subject upon sensing that he is dealing with a PNP poseur buyer, suddenly drew his gun and fired towards the operatives, prompting them to defend themselves and fire back hitting the suspect on the different parts of his body," Lee said.
Lactaotao was taken to the Novaliches District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
"Intelligence build-up revealed that suspect had been long involved in illegal drug pushing operating in Rizal and nearby provinces," Lee said.
Seized from him were a 9mm pistol, several identification cards that include those from PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, two pieces PHP1,000 buy-bust money, two cellular phones and seven sachets of shabu.
Meanwhile, IMEG spokesperson Maj. Robert Reyes said they also monitored 10 active cops who are involved in illegal drug recycling.
Reyes said these cops, who are alleged companions of Lactaotao, are assigned in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon and are currently under surveillance. (PNA)
