MANILA, Philippines – A police captain, who is a suspected drug pusher and protector of alleged drug lord Jeffrey “Jaguar” Diaz, was shot dead by fellow cops after allegedly fighting back in a buy-bust operation in Mandaue City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed this in a press conference Monday, June 11. 

Police Senior Inspector Raymond Hortezuela was gunned down on Sunday, June 10, by operatives of the PNP Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF). This was after he allegedly “drew a pistol” when he noticed his buyer was a police undercover agent.

“He was brought to Mandaue District Hospital for treatment; however, he was pronounced DOA (dead on arrival),” the PNP said in a report.

His background: CITF chief Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat said Hortezuela had long been monitored by counter-intelligence agents for allegedly selling drugs. He said the police captain was suspected of recycling illegal drugs seized from police operations.  

Caramat said Hortezuela was not a drug user as he tested negative for drugs. Asked how recent the drug test was, Caramat said they have to check their records.

‘Jaguar’ ties: Caramat also said Hortezuela was connected to Diaz, who was called “Cebu’s top drug lord.” Hortezuela allegedly stood as a “go-between” in drug transactions.

It is unclear whether Hortezuela kept touch with Jaguar’s group after the alleged drug lord was shot dead by cops in an anti-drug operation in June 2016.

What police recovered: Cops recovered the following from the encounter:

• .45-caliber pistol
• 7 pieces empty bullet shells
• 75 sachets containing suspected methamphetamine (shabu)
• Two P1,000 bills
• Blue Honda car with plate “ZEJ 663” suspected to be carnapped

– Rappler.com