Suspect hurt in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - A drug suspect was shot in the right leg during a buy-bust operation yesterday night in New Sangi Road, Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.

Senior Inspector Verniño Noserale, chief of the City Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group and City Intelligence Branch in Lapu-Lapu City Police Office identified the suspect as Richard Tallo Degolacion, 37 a resident of the area and is the main subject of the operation.

After a poseur-buyer got drugs from the suspect, Noserale said Degolacion ran away from the police, climbed up the roof of his house and jumped over a boundary wall beside a small motel.

“Degolacion fought back and reportedly fired his .357 revolver to scare off the police authorities,” Noserale said.

One of the policemen was eventually able to shoot him in the leg after another distracted him with a flashlight.

Noserale added that the suspect was rushed to the Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital for treatment.

At least 150 small packs of illegal drugs estimated at P15,000 were seized in the operation, said Noserale. The gun that Degolacion used, which contained five live rounds, was also confiscated along with a cellular phone and drug paraphernalia.

Also arrested are Jason Duran a resident of Barangay Apas, Cebu City; and Elineo Histo and Henry Baguio, both residents of Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City. Noserale said they were errand boys of Degolacion.

The four suspects will face charges under the violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002.

Aside from the drug case, Degolacion will face a complaint for illegal possession of firearms according to Noserale. The suspect was under surveillance for one week prior to the arrest. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud/BRP (FREEMAN)