• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A policeman was injured after being shot during a buy bust operation on July 2 in Sitio Magkinigkig, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, which resulted in the apprehension of two drug suspects and the recovery of guns and suspected shabu.
Nabbed, were Alvie Taco, an alleged member of a local drug group “Criminal Gang,” and Joseph Sapu-an, both residents of Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City.
The arrest of two suspected drug personalities yielded about 20 grams of suspected shabu with a market value of P136,000, a caliber .45 Glock pistol with magazine containing ammunition, a fired cartridge of .45 pistol, and a caliber .22 revolver with ammunition.
The buy bust operation also led to an injury to PSSg Iric Montoyo, who was hit by a gunshot on his right arm, according to the Kabankalan City police. He is now being treated for his injury at a medical facility.
The Kabankalan police also recovered suspected shabu paraphernalia, P500 in marked money, and a Honda TMX motorcycle.
Taco was classified as a High Value Individual drug personality, ranked number six in the NOCPPO priority target list, and number one in the drug watch list of the Kabankalan City Police Station.
Both arrested suspects may face charges in court for frustrated homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and violation of RA 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.*