Shootout in QC stemmed from 'set-up'

The three suspected drug traffickers killed in a report- ed shootout in Cubao last Tuesday may have attempt- ed to set up anti-narcotics operatives during the sting, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group said yesterday.

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PDEG director Brig. Gen. Elmer Ragay said initial field reports suggested the suspects tried to mislead officers into believing the incident was a robbery, but subsequent inspection of the recovered packages indicated otherwise.

“Probably the intention was to set up our people, take the items and get the money,” Ragay told reporters during a briefing at Camp Crame.

He said he was receiving real-time updates during the operation, and feedback showed the seized parcels suggested the deal was staged to deceive the police team.