Photo courtesy of Samar Island Bulletin/Facebook
A suspected illegal firearms dealer was killed during a buy-bust operation in Calbayog City, Samar on Tuesday night, police said Thursday.
The operation targeted a high-value individual involved in the illegal firearms trade, identified only by his alias “Ron Ron,” a resident of Barangay Looc and reportedly unemployed.
Authorities said the suspect was under investigation for violations of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The entrapment operation took place at around 9:55 p.m. in Purok 2, Barangay Rawis, when the suspect reportedly grew suspicious of the transaction.
Police said Ron Ron allegedly fired at officers and the poseur buyer using a short firearm, prompting lawmen to return fire in self-defense.
He was rushed to Calbayog District Hospital by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, but was pronounced dead at 10:20 p.m.
Authorities recovered a .45 Colt automatic pistol with one live round in the chamber, additional ammunition, fired cartridges, suspected illegal drugs, and PHP15,000 in buy-bust money.
All recovered items have been turned over for forensic examination as police continue their investigation into the illegal firearms operation.