Cop, drug suspect killed in Cebu shootout
A police officer and a suspected drug trafficker were killed in an alleged shootout following a sting in Minglanilla, Cebu on Monday afternoon.
Police Officer 2 Evie Espina of the Minglanilla police-Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), died while being treated at the South General Hospital in nearby Naga town. He suffered a gunshot to the head.
The slain suspect, identified as Jovelio Franza, alias Juvie, was declared dead on arrival at the Minglanilla District Hospital.
Reports said the firearm used by Franza was owned by the late Senior Police Officer 4 Razul de la Peña Segismar, who was killed in an ambush in the same town three years ago.
Initial investigation showed the DEU conducted a sting against Franza in Sitio Bacay, Barangay Tulay at around 5:45 p.m.
Franza and his two companions reportedly sensed the presence of police officers in the area, prompting them to pull out their guns, according to Chief Inspector Verniño Noserale, town police chief.
The suspects reportedly shot at the officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in the death of Espina and Franza.
A manhunt was launched for Franza’s cohorts.
Franza was said to be a top drug supplier in Minglanilla, according to Central Visayas police director Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery.
Police said they recovered from the suspect a 9mm pistol, several plastic sachets said to contain shabu, a motorcycle and a grenade placed inside the vehicle’s compartment.
A follow-up operation resulted in the recovery of another pistol and ammunition from Franza’s partner, identified as Evangeline Briones.
Aside from drug trafficking, Franza was reportedly engaged in contract killing, Quenery said. He said Espina’s family will get financial assistance.