‘Pusher’ killed, 2 others nabbed in GenSan raids

SANTOS CITY -- A suspected drug pusher was killed while two others were arrested in separate police anti-drug operations in a village here early on Tuesday.

Armed with search warrants, personnel from the city’s Police Station 6 led by its acting chief, Capt. Brent Ian Salazar, raided at least three houses in Barangays Dadiangas South and Bula between 1 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Salazar said the warrants, which were issued by Judge Oscar Noel of the Regional Trial Court Branch 35 here, were for possession of illegal drugs.

A report released by the police station said the operatives swooped down on two houses in Purok Tinago 9-B, Barangay Dadiangas South around 1 a.m.

It resulted in the arrest of target-listed drug pushers identified as Gilbert Cabangon, 40, and Glenn Bacuyo, 20.

Recovered during the search were at least 10 sachets of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP11,000.

Another search operation was launched by the operating team around 2 a.m. at the house of target Raymond Salinas, 39, in Zone 8, Barangay Bula.

Salazar said the suspect fired at the approaching operatives, prompting them to retaliate.

Salinas, who sustained gunshot wounds on the chest and body, was rushed to the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital here but was declared dead upon arrival by attending doctors.

Recovered at the scene were a caliber 5.56 handgun with two live bullets, two fired cartridges and seven sachets of suspected shabu.

The police official said the arrested suspects, who are detained at the police station, will be charged with possession of dangerous drugs under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.