Drug pusher nabbed after shootout with PDEA agents

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher was hurt in a shootout with operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Dagupan City, Pangasinan province before dawn on Wednesday.

Ibrahim Ampuan alias Itlog Ampuan, who is included in the PDEA's watchlist, sold two plastic sachets of shabu to an undercover agent.

After taking the money, Ampuan realized that he was being set up by the authorities when he was several men running towards him.

PDEA-Region 1 spokesperson Bismark Bengwayan said that Ampuan fired at the approaching operatives, who fired back at the suspect.

Despite his wounds, Ampuan was able to get to his motorcycle and escape.

However, he was eventually arrested after the PDEA agents found him at the Pangasinan Medical Center, where he ran for the treatment of his wounds.

Bengwayan said that Ampuan had been arrested recently in a PDEA raid at a drug den in Barangay Bonuan Bincol, in the same city, but was released due to legal technicalities. - with Dennis Carcamo