Woman hurt in shootout with police

CEBU, Philippines - A woman who is allegedly a drug pusher was injured in a shootout with police during a drug bust in Barangay Pulang Bato, Cebu City last Monday afternoon.

Three other cohorts, including another woman, were also arrested.

The suspects will be made to undergo a paraffin test to determine who among them shot at the police, nearly hitting Insp. Armando Labora of the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (RAIDSOTG).

Labora, who led the operation, identified the injured suspect as Marian Dhel Dy, 26, wife of Carlos Dy, who was the subject of the operation but eluded arrest.

Labora identified the three other suspects as Alfredo Ardiente, Jr., his live-in-partner and a relative of Marian, Mitzi Miñoza, and Rene Padayogdog, who allegedly served as the driver.

Labora said a poseur-buyer bought 2.5 grams or P5,000 worth of shabu from the suspects.

The poseur-buyer motioned the pre-arranged signal, prompting Labora to step forward to arrest the suspect. But a person hiding behind the suspects’ car suddenly shot at Labora.

Labora was quick to avoid being hit while the other policemen fired back.

The suspects tried to flee on board a red Honda Civic (XBV 954) but they accidentally hit a multicab (KEV 593). Police eventually arrested them.

During the shootout, Dy was grazed in her shoulder, Laboro said. Dy was treated at the hospital as an out-patient.

Labora described the illegal drug trade as a family business of the suspects. He added that the suspects can sell at least P2.5 million worth of shabu every week.

Labora further said that they have been monitoring Carlos Dy, who is in their watchlist.

Police recovered a medium-size pack of shabu and a caliber .45 pistol loaded with six live rounds from the suspects. An empty shell of the same caliber was also recovered from the crime scene.

Charges for possession of illegal drugs, illegal possession of firearm, and frustrated homicide will be filed against the suspect, Labora added.— (FREEMAN)