A policeman was shot dead by fellow policemen during an entrapment operation conducted by the Philippine National Police – Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and the Police Regional Office 5.
The shoot out happened in Barangay Matagangtang, Placer, Masbate, around 7 a.m. on October 23.
Target of the operation was Police Staff Sergeant Grafilo Pahilino, Jr. assigned to the Cataingan Municipal Police Station.
Pahilino was allegedly involved in the sale of unlicensed firearms.
According to Bicol PNP report, Pahilino sold to a poseur buyer three caliber 38 revolvers and a caliber 45 pistol worth P25,000.00.
But, Pahilino allegedly noticed the approaching policemen, so he pulled out a gun and shot the poseur buyer, secretly a policeman, hitting him in the arm.
The operatives allegedly returned fire to protect their comrade and to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Pahilino was declared dead on arrival when brought to the hospital.
He was also found in possession of a government-issued 9mm pistol and two extra magazines.
According to investigation, Pahilino had been involved in the sale of unlicensed firearms in Masbate for a long time.
He was reported as related to the Bustillos Drug group, which is known for promoting illegal drugs and serves as a protector of some drug personalities in Masbate Province.
Part of the PNP’s Internal Cleansing Program is the operation that not only focuses on delivering high-caliber services to the public, but also to clean up its ranks.
Investigations are still ongoing to identify other personalities who may be involved in the illegal transaction.
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