Pasig gun buy-bust turns deadly; suspect dies in encounter with authorities

• A 21-year-old male suspect was fatally shot during an encounter with police in a gun buy-bust operation in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, on the evening of Thursday, June 12, 2025

• According to Pasig City Police, the suspect allegedly took the buy-bust money but then fired a .45 caliber pistol at an operative, prompting back-up police to return fire, resulting in the suspect's death

• Further investigation revealed the deceased suspect and an accomplice had allegedly committed a robbery hours before the buy-bust, and the suspect was also involved in carnapping and “gun-for-hire” activities

• Two firearms and a grenade were recovered from the crime scene, and police are currently conducting a manhunt for the identified accomplice in the earlier robbery

A police operation targeting illegal firearms distribution in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, culminated in a fatal encounter late Thursday evening, June 12, 2025, leaving a 21-year-old male suspect dead.

The incident, part of a buy-bust sting, also uncovered the deceased's alleged involvement in a series of other serious criminal activities.

According to Police Major Loreto Tigno, Chief of Investigation at the Pasig City Police Station, the operation was initiated after intelligence indicated the suspect was actively engaged in the illicit trade of firearms.

An undercover police operative posed as a buyer and arranged a transaction with the suspect in Barangay Pinagbuhatan.

During the meeting, a .45 caliber pistol was offered for sale at a price of P21,000.

“Ang nangyari po nakuha niya 'yung buy-bust money at wala po siyang balak ibigay 'yung baril,” Major Tigno stated, recounting the critical moment of the encounter. “Imbes na ibigay niya 'yung baril, pinutok niya ito sa pulis natin. Buti po 'yung police natin agad nakatakbo. 'Yung back-up na pulis po 'yung nakabaril sa kanya.”

The swift turn of events escalated what was intended as an arrest into a deadly confrontation.

Residents in the vicinity described the chaotic scene. One local recounted, “We heard continuous gunshots, then we went outside. There were many police already there. The gunfire was successive, a shootout, so the police quickly told us to go inside. We initially thought it was fireworks.”

The unexpected violence startled the community, highlighting the dangers inherent in such police operations.

Further investigation into the deceased suspect’s background revealed a broader criminal profile.

Authorities confirmed that merely hours before the fatal buy-bust operation, the same individual, along with an accomplice who remains at large, had allegedly committed a robbery.

The modus operandi involved ordering two cellular phones online, valued at approximately P81,000, and then robbing the seller upon meeting.

The victim of this robbery later positively identified the deceased suspect at the scene of the police encounter as one of the individuals who had robbed them.

Police Major Tigno also disclosed that the 21-year-old suspect, a resident of Barangay Pinagbuhatan, was linked to other grave offenses, including carnapping and involvement in “gun-for-hire” activities.

The discovery at the crime scene further solidified the suspect's alleged dangerous inclinations, as two firearms and a hand grenade were recovered by forensic teams.

The Pasig City Police are actively pursuing the accomplice involved in the earlier robbery, who has already been identified.

This incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to dismantle illegal arms networks and apprehend individuals involved in various forms of organized crime, aiming to enhance public safety in urban centers like Pasig City.

News, photos or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, such could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In news down south, a 15-year-old boy was shot dead after allegedly being used as a human shield during a shooting in Barangay Banago, Bacolod City on June 11. The intended target, identified as “Alvin,” 32, sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and foot but survived the attack. Police say Alvin is a known thief and is allegedly involved in illegal dr&gs and robbery-holdup incidents. Authorities are investigating the case and searching for the suspect who fled the scene after opening fire.

Meanwhile, the DOTr suspended the licenses of the bus driver and conductor who were on the bus during the June 9 assault of a PWD. Secretary Vince Dizon emphasized that the incident was “unacceptable” and that PUVs must protect all passengers. The bus should have stopped at the nearest station and reported the incident to authorities. The DOTr vowed further action to uphold commuter rights and dignity, especially for vulnerable passengers.

Source: KAMI.com.gh