Man who surrendered last year dies in buy-bust
A suspected drug pusher was killed after he allegedly attempted to shoot the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 operatives in Barangay Sambag 1, Cebu City past 4 p.m. yesterday.
The fatality was identified as Frederick Lavistre Villamala, a resident of Sambag 2. His three female companions were held for inquiry.
Villamala, who was also known as Wengweng, had been listed as a high-value target by PDEA 7. Authorities had a hard time in arresting Villamala in the past as he reportedly had connections with some police officers.
His father is reportedly an inmate of the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City.
During the buy-bust yesterday, Villamala was driving his red car when he was dealing with an undercover agent.
He allegedly attempted to hit one of the agents with his car when he noticed he was about to be arrested. The operatives shot the right front tire, stopping the vehicle.
Villamala went out, carrying a .45 pistol. The operatives shot him until he fell back inside the car.
PDEA 7 seized the pistol and two packs believed to contain “shabu.”
Villamala surrendered to Abellana Police Station last year during Oplan Tokhang and promised to change, but recent intelli- gence reports pointed out that he was still in the trade.
He was caught in a buy-bust in 2009, but he was released from jail after the case was dismissed by the court.
Villamala was involved in shooting a 67-year-old car washer Benjamin Fernandez to death in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City on Aug. 10, 2014.
A witness identified Villamala as the one who shot Fernandez from a distance.
State prosecutors had recommended no bail for Villamala after he was charged with murder in 2015, but the case was reportedly dismissed when the victim’s family did not pursue it. /