BACOLOD City – A drug sting in Cauayan, Negros Occidental turned into a shootout, killing one of the operation’s suspects.
The deceased was Elejarde Oblianda Jr., a 43-year-old resident of the area and tagged as a street-level drug individual.
His accomplice has been identified as Jenny Faith Estocado, 40, from Barangay Hilamonan in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.
According to the Cauayan police, they were conducting a buy-bust operation in the town’s Barangay Inayawan, Cauayan on Good Friday, March 29, targeting Oblianda, who found out he was dealing with a police officer.
The suspect then allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the police, which prompted the officers to retaliate with their gunfire.
Following the incident, Oblianda was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Authorities confiscated 10 grams of shabu worth P68,000 pesos, a caliber .45 pistol, and two bullets from the scene.
Estocado, meanwhile, faces charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The Cauayan police station has initiated a motu proprio investigation into the shooting.
Captain Abegael Donasco, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, stated that they are currently gathering information about the incident.
Donasco added that the evaluation of a disciplinary body within the Philippine National Police will determine whether the involved officers’ actions fall under the performance of duty or would be tantamount to murder. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
