‘They fired first’: 2 suspected drug pushers killed in Bataan

PAMPANGA, Philippines – Two suspected drug pushers were killed in an alleged shootout with policemen in Dinalupihan town, in the neighboring province of Bataan, on Wednesday, July 6.

According to a spot report by the Bataan Provincial Police Office, the suspects fired first on the policemen, prompting the authorities to shoot back, killing the suspects.

The incident is the latest addition to a list of people with alleged drug involvement being killed by policemen, allegedly because they resisted arrest. (READ: Drug suspect killings rise after Duterte victory)

The alleged shootout happened at around 5:30 pm Wednesday in Old San Jose village after undercover policemen conducted a “buy-bust” operation against a certain Warly Castillo.

While Castillo was able to evade arrest, two of his 3 companions were shot dead: Ali Abubakar, 39, a resident of Quiapo, Manila, and a still unidentified man. The third person, identified by the police as Bulawan Palao, 43, also from Quiapo, Manila, was arrested.

The report said that the unidentified suspect drew a 9-mm sub-machinegun and fired on the undercover policemen, who were able to avoid the shots. Another policeman then shot the former several times. At this instance, Abubakar also drew his .38 caliber revolver, but he was shot by the policemen.

The suspects died due to multiple bullet wounds.

While the alleged shootout was taking place, Castillo escaped by jumping over a concrete fence.

Police recovered the unidentified suspect’s pistol loaded with 26 live bullets, Abubakar’s .38 caliber revolver with 3 live bullets, 2 plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, and the marked money used in the sting operation.

Palao is facing charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. – Rappler.com