Pusher killed in shootout with Batangas cops

MANILA, Philippines - A dreaded drug pusher and suspected hired killer lobbed a hand grenade at pursuing policemen before he was felled by bullets during a shootout in Batangas City Friday night.

Calabarzon police director Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad said the hand grenade exploded but not one of the responding policemen was hurt.

Palad said the suspect, Alvin Vergara, a resident of Barangay Cuta, Batangas City sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died on the spot.

Vergara yielded another hand grenade and a Colt .45 caliber pistol with a magazine loaded with 12 ammunition and a Kawasaki motorcycle.

Palad said a concerned citizen called up the desk office of the Batangas City police and reported the presence of a man armed with a pistol and hand grenades at about 10:30 p.m. Friday.

While the responding policemen were about to accost Vergara, he took out his handgun and opened fire prompting the lawmen to return his fire.

Vergara fled and a hot pursuit ensued.

When cornered, Vergara lobbed a hand grenade at the policemen which went off.

Luckily, however, no policeman was hurt, said Palad.

The Batangas City police listed Vergara in its watchlist of drug personalities operating in the city.

Police said they are also verifying reports that Vergara was a hired gun.     – Non Alquitran