By Benjamin Chavez
ROSARIO, Cavite—Two persons were confirmed dead in an illegal drugs buy-bust operation following an armed confrontation with members of the local police here assisted by agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
The PDEA is the lead anti-drug law enforcement agency, responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs, controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines.
PO2 Rogelio Pico Raquin Jr. identified the slain suspects as Kenneth Green, a tricycle driver, and Alvin Buendia, part-time beauty parlor employee, both of barangay Wawa here.
The operation was in line with project Double Barrel-Project Tokhang of the Philippine National Police, headed by Director General Ronald Dela Rosa.
This was first implemented in Davao City where President Rodrigo Duterte served as Mayor for several years.
Oplan Tokhang is a Visayan word which means Tok-tok Hangyo, where police knock at the doors of an alleged drug user or pusher, asking him/her that he/she will surrender to the police in order that they will be monitored for further assessment.
Police said their men, in coordination with Drug Enforcement Agency authorities, conducted the buy-bust operation on Wednesday in barangay Wawa.
Police said the two suspects, both listed in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council list, exchanged fire with law enforcement authorities.
Initial investigation suggested one of the suspects at the time sold and delivered a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.
The Rosario police station sought the assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operatives from the Cavite PNP Crime lab office.