The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is now investigating the death of a suspected drug pusher who was shot dead after a buy-bust in Iloilo City on Tuesday night, June 29.
IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said a motu-proprio investigation is now being conducted part of the protocol to probe police operations that would result in the death of suspects or policemen.
Col. Roger James Brillantes, head of the IAS Western Visayas, identified the slain suspect as 29-year old Karl Daniel Bolante. HIs cohort John Dave Mendoza was arrested.
Based on the initial result of the investigation, Brillantes said local anti-narcotics operatives conducted a buy-bust after a poseur buyer as able to negotiate for the purchase of illegal drugs against the two suspects.
The meeting was place in Barangay North Baluarte in Molo District and the buy-bust occurred at around 10:45 p.m.
"Initial investigation disclosed that during the operation, subject John Dave Mendoza resisted arrest and run towards a secluded area, but when he was cornered by the operatives, his cohort Karl Daniel Bolante acted to throw a hand grenade to the PNP personnel, prompting them to shoot him," Brillantes said, quoting a police report.
He said Bolante was transported to Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital for treatment but was declared dead.
Confiscated during the operation were three pieces heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu; P2,000 buy bust money an M26 live hand grenade; and a revolver without serial loaded with five pieces .38 cartridges.
Brillantes said part of the IAS investigation is to determine if there were lapses committed by the operating cops and if there was a foul play in the death of the suspect.