Hired killer targeting politicians slain in Laguna shootout

CAMP RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna – A member of gun-for-hire targeting politicians in Batangas, Quezon, and Laguna was killed by police in an antidrug operation in Bay town.

The police report identified the suspect as Ruel Bedonia de Chavez, 41, a resident of Barangay Paciano Rizal, Bay. He was a member of Batang Kubo/ Bantugon group of killers for hire and drug traffickers.

Bedonia was also a newly identified drug personality in Bay, the report said.

Last Wednesday a joint buy-bust operation was conducted under the supervision of Chief Insp. Ryan Jay Orapa, Chief Insp. Arlen Abastillas, Bay police station OIC, together with Provincial Intelligence Branch and Provincial Drugs Enforcement Unit Laguna Police Provincial Office in Barangay Masaya.

The Bay Police Station said Bedonia sold illegal drugs to an officer posing as a buyer. In the middle of the transaction, the suspect suddenly fired at the officer after sensing that he was a law enforcer. The officer fired back, killing the suspect on the spot.

Recovered from Bedonia were three sachets of shabu, ammunition and a motorcycle.

In Pagsanjan, another notorious drug pusher identified as Rey Agawin, 40, was killed by joint Laguna Provincial Intelligence Branch/Drugs Enforcement Team and Pagsanjan Municipal Police Station led by Sr. Insp. Serafin Gapuan following a brief firefight

Police said that suspect was arrested before on drug charges and was on probation after pleading on a lesser offense.