Manila Police District operatives killed a drug suspect and arrested four of his relatives during a buy-bust operation in the Sampaloc district on Monday night.
The MPD identified the slain drug suspect as Ricardo Garcia. Police said Garcia had earlier surrendered to them under Oplan Tokhang.
Senior Insp. Ariel Ilagan, team leader of the MPD Station 4 Drug Enforcement Unit, said Garcia was killed by their team members during the shootout.
Garcia was included in their drugs watchlist, Ilagan said, and was considered a notorious drug pusher in the Sampaloc area.
Last Saturday, police also received a report that Garcia indiscriminately fired his gun.
Ilagan identified the relatives who were arrested as the suspect’s son, Jomar Garcia; Ronnie Garcia, his brother; Myla Cruz, live-in partner; and Gregorio Asi.
The MPD conducted the buy-bust at the corner of Florentino corner Miguelin Streets in Sampaloc. Police seized six sachets of suspected shabu and two firearms, including a .38-cal. revolver and a .45-cal. pistol from the suspects.
Ilagan said that after their poseur-buyer gave his payment, Garcia sensed he was being entrapped by policemen.
“When we were entering their house, we were kicked by the occupants inside. We fell down the stairs. Two of our policemen were able to enter. That’s when a shootout occurred inside,” Ilagan said.
The two policemen who first entered Garcia’s house were shot by the suspect. Police Officer 3 Michael Carabeo was wounded in the stomach, while Police Officer 1 Ronald Depacina was hit in the arm.
Ilagan said Garcia’s live-in partner, who also allegedly fired at the policemen, was wounded in the encounter.