Habal-habal driver killed in Guimbal buy-bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A habal-habal driver died during a police anti-drug operation on the evening of Oct. 4 in Guimbal, Iloilo.

The suspect, 45-year-old alias Noel of Barangay Cansilayan, Tigbauan, Iloilo, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest.

Capt. Melvin Mercado, Guimbal police chief, said the suspect allegedly tried to flee when police attempted to arrest him during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Igcocolo, Guimbal.

As he ran, officers on standby immediately collared him.

Mercado said the suspect then attempted to grab an operative’s firearm.

A grappling ensued between the two.

One of the policemen fired a warning shot, prompting Noel to step back.

When he had created distance, the suspect allegedly threw a grenade that did not explode.

An operative then shot the suspect.

During the buy-bust operation, police seized about 10 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 68,000 from Noel’s companion, 33-year-old alias Onyok, also a resident of Barangay Cansilayan, Tigbauan.

Officers also recovered two more sachets from Noel’s sling bag.

Meanwhile, alias Intsik, Noel’s older brother, denied that the slain suspect was involved in the illegal drug trade or drug use.

He claimed Noel was merely entangled in Onyok’s illegal drug activities.

He said Onyok had hired Noel to drive him.

Noel was separated from his wife, with whom he has a daughter.