“Drug courier” killed in shootout

CEBU, Philippines- An alleged drug courier died in a shootout with police operatives during a buy-bust operation Saturday morning in Medellin, Cebu.

Suspected drug pusher, Allan Gallardo, who was the subject of the operation in Sitio Tak-an, Barangay Kawit, however, eluded arrest. His alleged courier, Wilfredo Bactol, 35, died after shooting it out with the members of the Medellin Police Station. The police recovered a rifle next to Bactol’s dead body.

Senior Police Officer 2 Jovito Aballe, desk officer, said they received information about Gallardo’s illegal operation prompting them to conduct surveillance operations.

A buy-bust operation was hatched after they have confirmed Gallardo’s illegal operation. According to Aballe, Gallardo lay low for awhile following the arrest of his cohorts by the operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch. But he recently resumed operation in the mountainous area.

Abella said that Gallardo’s cohorts fired at the police operatives after they were spotted even before they could go near the suspect’s location. The policemen were forced to return fire hitting Bactol in the chest prompting his companions to withdraw.

The police recovered a small pack of shabu, caliber .357 magnum revolver with four live rounds of ammunition, .38 caliber revolver, .22 caliber rifle, two improvised explosives, drug paraphernalia, and medical equipment.

Bactol’s family went to the police station yesterday and was shocked to learn that he was killed in a shootout because he told his wife that he will be working in a construction in Medellin. 

According to the police, Gallardo’s group is considered armed and dangerous. He allegedly supplies drugs to Daanbantayan.  (FREEMAN)