Suspect killed in Pangasinan drug sting

Michael Delizo

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — A drug suspect was killed in a police operation in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, only days since new Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s directive to avoid fatalities during anti-illegal drug operations.The PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) said an armed encounter ensued during the arrest of the drug suspect, only identified as Dupax, on Tuesday evening.Police said they brought the suspect to Urdaneta City District Hospital for medical treatment, but he was pronounced dead by the attending physician.The operation yielded 40 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P272,000 and other “non-drug evidence.”In a statement, PDEG director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said the operatives faced a “dangerous situation” that necessitated action to protect themselves.“Team, I commend everyone for their courage, discipline, and professionalism during last night’s operation. While it is never our objective for any operation to end in loss of life, we were faced with a dangerous situation that required immediate and decisive action to protect ourselves and the public,” he said.Torre earlier ordered police officers to increase the number of arrests as a new performance metric, but emphasized doing this with high regard for human rights, and that no one should be killed.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/4/pnp-chief-torre-allays-human-rights-concerns-on-paramihan-ng-huli-remarks-1718">PNP Chief Torre allays human rights concerns on ‘paramihan ng huli’ remarks</a></div>He also reiterated that he will not tolerate extrajudicial killings under his leadership.“‘Pag lumabas tayo sa judicial process, eh ‘di kriminal na rin tayo; hindi tayo pulis,” he said.(If we go beyond the judicial process, then we’re no longer police officers—we&#x27;re criminals.)<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/9/torre-vows-zero-tolerance-for-ejks-chr-is-our-boss-1219">Torre vows zero tolerance for extrajudicial killings: ‘CHR is our boss’</a></div>Torre clarified, however, that police officers could still use force in situations where it is necessary — particularly in cases of self-defense or resistance to arrest — in accordance with Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code, which outlines justifying circumstances.“Dedepensa ang pulis kung sa kanilang paningin ay endangered sila, pero siyempre graduated ‘yong force din,&quot; Torre said.(Police officers will defend themselves if they feel they are in danger, but of course, the force must be graduated)According to the Revised PNP Operational Procedures, police officers can use &quot;necessary and reasonable force&quot; when making arrests or while performing other duties.

A drug suspect was killed in a police operation in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, only days since new Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s directive to avoid fatalities during anti-illegal drug operations.

A drug suspect was killed in a police operation in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, only days since new Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s directive to avoid fatalities during anti-illegal drug operations.