Drug suspect killed, one hurt in Silay shootout

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – An alleged drug suspect was killed in a shootout with police operatives after he reportedly resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation at Sitio Cabay Bodega, Barangay 5, Silay City, Negros Occidental Thursday night.

The fatality was identified as Owniel Rojo, 29, of Barangay Zone 5, Talisay City, a street level individual, according to a report from Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo).

Major Rollie Pondevilla, city police chief, said Rojo allegedly drew his firearm and shot the operatives when he sensed that he was transacting with a police agent.

It prompted the police to retaliate that led to his death.

Pondevilla said Rojo had a companion, who was also the target of the operation. His companion was injured in the shootout and was taken to a hospital here.

He said they have been monitoring the duo for some time until they were cornered recently.

Police recovered four grams of suspected shabu worth P27,200, a motorcycle, a hand knuckle with knife, a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine and seven live ammunition of the same firearm, and P5,590 cash.

He said they had no intention to kill anyone during a police operation, but he stressed that “in the fullfilment of our function and considering that he was armed, we need to also defend ourselves.”

He said they will investigate if the suspects had connection with the other previous arrested drug suspects.