A case of wanton shooting?

A suspected firearms dealer was killed in an armed encounter with police during a buy-bust operation in Pasig City.

The suspect, identified only as “Jiemark,” 21, was shot during the operation along Ipil-Ipil Street in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, according to police reports.

Investigators said undercover officers arranged to purchase a handgun for P21,000. When the suspect realized he was dealing with law enforcement, he reportedly drew his weapon and opened fire. Officers returned fire, hitting the suspect repeatedly.

He was rushed to Pasig City General Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Recovered from the scene were two handguns of unknown caliber, six rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, two empty magazines, a hand grenade, and several counterfeit bills used in the operation, including 20 fake P1,000 bills and two fake P500 bills.

Police also recovered 27 spent shell casings, one deformed slug, and a belt bag believed to belong to the suspect.

The case remains under investigation.