Cop slain in Iloilo sting

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer was killed following an alleged shootout that broke out during an anti-narcotics operation in Iloilo City on Sunday.

Police said the sting resulted in the seizure of shabu with an estimated street value of P7.86 million.

S/Sgt Michael Malan of the Iloilo City police’s special weapons and tactics team was rushed to the St. Paul’s Hospital.

Malan died while being treated for a gunshot to the chest, according to Brig. Gen. Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police director.

Malan and his team reportedly conducted a sting at the house of a suspected drug trafficker in Barangay Concepcion at around 11 a.m.

The suspect, identified as Glenn Iturriaga, allegedly drew his gun and ran into a room after sensing that he was dealing with undercover police officers.

Malan went after the suspect, who allegedly fired shots, hitting the officer in the arm and chest.

The suspect hid in the room for several hours before surrendering to the police at around 3 p.m.

Two others, identified as Ian Palmejar and Katrina Espinosa were arrested following the incident.

The Drug Enforcement Unit of the city police said that aside from shabu, the team recovered drug paraphernalia, phones and a pistol from the scene of the incident.

Records showed that Iturriaga was arrested for a drug-related offense in 2013, but the case filed against him was dismissed.