Minor killed in encounter

CEBU, Philippines - A 15-year-old boy was killed while a 28-year-old man was wounded in an encounter with agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during an anti-illegal drugs operation in Sitio Aroma, Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City.

The fatality known as “Dagul” sustained gunshot wounds to his head. A report by GMA7 Cebu’s Balitang Bisdak said he died at the North General Hospital. Jovanni Papas, 28, of Barangay Pulangbato was also hit but is now in safe condition.

The person arrested was identified as Reswin Leyson, 23, of Barangay Adlaon.

Lawyer Charles Jensen White, PDEA’s legal officer, said the subject of the bust was a certain Randel Miñosa but he escaped upon sensing the presence of the authorities.

He said the buy-bust team arrived in the area at past 9 a.m. and a poseur-buyer met with Miñosa successfully for a pack of shabu. However, when the poseur-buyer signaled that the purchase was consummated, Miñosa sensed the same and immediately fled, taking with him suspected drugs. 

His companions, “Dagul” and Papas, allegedly opened fire at the PDEA agents, prompting the agents to fire back. 

A certain Reswin Leyson who was in the area was also arrested. He admitted he was there to buy shabu and had been reportedly doing so for almost a year. He said his parents are unaware of his activities.

The PDEA agents recovered 33 tea bags stuffed with marijuana, a .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, and two small packs of suspected shabu from the supposed drug den.

White said surveillance was conducted before the bust was carried out to confirm that Miñosa was indeed selling illegal drugs. White said they even learned that Miñosa was selling the drugs openly as if he was untouchable.

Despite Miñosa evading arrest, White said charges would still be filed against him, Leyson and Papas.

Miñosa will be charged for selling drugs while Leyson and Papas will be charged for presence in a drug den. — /JMO (FREEMAN)