QCPD director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan said the slain suspect, identified only as "Wajan," earlier shot and wounded PO2 James Shotwell after sensing a buy-bust.
Radovan said four other suspects were arrested by responding policemen who had engaged them in a running gunbattle at 3 p.m. inside a compound believed to be the lair of drug dealers.
"We conducted a buy-bust operation to pinpoint and arrest illegal drug traffickers in the area," Radovan said.
He said they received a tip from a concerned citizen that drug deals were rampant in the area. The information was confirmed when undercover agents were able to arrange a transaction with the suspects.
Shotwell, who had acted as a buyer, is now confined at the New Era Hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.
Police operatives recovered a caliber .45 pistol from the slain suspect. – Perseus Echeminada