PDEA intelligence officer killed in shootout during buy-bust operation in Laguna

An agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Raffy Escobido, 31, died on Thursday while undergoing intensive care after a shootout during a buy-bust operation in Laguna.

Escobido was an intelligence officer for the PDEA Regional Office Calabarzon Special Enforcement Team and passed away from a gunshot wound to the head.

The operation took place Sunday night in a mall parking lot in Barangay Real, Calamba City, targeting suspects identified as 'Mark' and his cohort.

During the operation, the suspects quickly fled in a dark gray Geely vehicle with plate number NIN-5940 while firing towards the arresting officers.

PDEA Director-General Isagani Nerez expressed condolences to Escobido's family and vowed to pursue the suspects who evaded arrest.

Nerez ordered PDEA national and regional offices to fly their flags at half-mast as a sign of mourning, emphasizing that this will heighten their resolve against illegal drugs.