Buy-bust turns bloody: 3 drug suspects killed in QC

Three alleged big-time drug pushers were killed in a shootout with operatives of the Philippine National Police–Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-PDEG) during a buy-bust operation in Cubao, Quezon City, on Tuesday afternoon.

According to a report from Cubao Police Station 7 of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the encounter occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday (November 18) near the Neupetro gasoline station along 13th Avenue, at the corner of Justice Lourdes Paredes Santiago Street (formerly Main Avenue) in Brgy. Socorro, Cubao.

Based on the initial investigation by PSSg Jaymar Anapi, operatives of the PDEG Special Operations Unit (SOU3), led by P/Col. Richard Ian T. Ang and in coordination with the National Capital Region SOU, conducted a buy-bust operation in the area.

When the primary suspect, known only as “Dan,” and his two companions realized they were transacting with police operatives, they drew their firearms and opened fire at the authorities.

PDEG operatives quickly returned fire, triggering a brief firefight that resulted in the death of all three suspects, who were inside a red car.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for nearly a minute. No police personnel were injured or killed during the operation.

As of press time, authorities are still working to confirm the identities of the slain suspects. An estimated ₱6 million worth of shabu was recovered from their vehicle.