Davao Police Record First Casualty in War on Drugs

DAVAO CITY — An individual known as “Boss” has become the first casualty among drug suspects since the appointment of a new police director in Davao City. Acting City Police Director Hansel Maranta assumed office on July 10.

According to reports, Boss allegedly engaged in a shootout with the police during an anti-illegal drug operation in Minterbro, Barangay Ilang, Davao City around 4:18 PM on September 17, 2024.

The police report stated that during a buy-bust operation, officers initially purchased two sachets of shabu from Boss posing as a buyer. When another policeman approached to arrest the suspect, Boss, along with at least ten associates, attempted to flee towards the mangrove area, brandishing a weapon and firing at the police, but missing.

Upon calling for backup from Bunawan Police Station, officers from Sasa arrived at the scene for investigation. Boss, who ranked in the top 5 of the city’s illegal drug list, was eventually cornered.

Despite warnings to surrender, Boss reportedly continued to fire at the police, leading officers to retaliate. He was swiftly taken to the Southern Philippines Medical Center but was declared dead upon arrival.

Recovery efforts at the crime scene yielded a .45 pistol believed to be used by the suspect, along with ammunition and fired cartridge bullets from both a .45 and a 9mm pistol.

A body search conducted by RFU 11 personnel, alongside a social worker and a relative of the suspect, uncovered three rectangular and elongated heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. Authorities also seized Php 1,700 in marked money during the operation.