ANTI-DRUG WAR. Forensics experts process the crime scene and the guns, ammunition, and shabu in Barangay Minuyan, City of San Jose Del Monte on Friday night (June 26, 2020). Three alleged members of a drug syndicate were killed and four others were arrested in the operation. (Photo courtesy of SJDM PNP)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Three alleged members of a drug syndicate were killed while four others were arrested in Barangay Minuyan, City of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM) on Friday night.
Col. Lawrence Cajipe, Bulacan provincial director, identified fatalities as alias Mateo, alias Francisco, and alias Karding while those nabbed were Sarah Jane Padilla, 33; Ivan Cabataña, 26; Rommel Paña, 21; and Jimuel Cos, 23.
Cajipe said the operation came from a tip from a concerned citizen to police that there was an armed group in Phase 4, Towerville, Barangay Minuyan.
He said the operatives of the Intelligence and Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of SJDM police immediately launched a surveillance and validation operation.
“An armed encounter with the suspects ensued as the latter sensed the presence of police operatives in the area,” he said.
Cajipe said the suspects drew their firearms and fired at the operatives, prompting the latter to retaliate and killing the suspects.
The other four suspects were caught with 20 sachets of suspected shabu and an unidentified firearm found at the crime scene.
Forensics experts processed the crime scene and recovered an improvised shotgun, a caliber 9mm pistol with serial number 020-78970, an improvised handgun, and five small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu.
The suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Provincial Crime Laboratory Office.
The suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before a local court. (PNA)
