Drug peddler dies in shootout with police in QC


A drug peddler died in a shootout with members of the Quezon City Police DIstrict (QCPD) Galas Station (PS 11) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Damayang Lagi, Quezon City on Wednesday evening, Jan. 11.

Lt Col. Richard Ian Ang, PS 11 commander, identified the suspect as Jordan Cedie Balana, about 40 to 45 years old.

The PS 11 Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) launched the buy-bust operation against Balana and his cohort, Benjie Valencia, along 14th St. Sta. Cecilia, in the said barangay at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police said that during the operation, when Balana noticed that they were dealing with an undercover police officer, he pulled out his gun and fired at the operative leading into a gunfight.

Balana was killed during the shootout while his cohort escaped on board a motorcycle. Valencia is now the subject of a manhunt operation, police said.

Authorities recovered from the crime scene a caliber 38 revolver, bullets shells, a plastic sachet containing “shabu” worth P34,000, and the buy-bust money.

QCPD Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III urged drug suspects to surrender to the cops peacefully.