LAGUNA – A known bigtime illegal drug supplier and listed as one of the high value individuals (HVI) in the province was killed in an encounter with the authorities Friday night, October 30.
The suspect was identified as Joefer Alba alias “Joe” and “Dads”, a resident of Maharlika Village, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Elements from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Laguna Provincial Police Office (LPPO), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 4A and Pila Municipal Police Station conducted a buy bust operation against Alba at around 10 p.m. in Barangay Sta. Clara Norte.
Initial investigation said that Alba immediately pulled out his .45 pistol inside his sling bag and fired at the police after sensing that he was being set up by a poseur buyer.
Police fired back at Alba hitting him in different parts of the body which resulted to his death.
According to Laguna Provincial Police Office Director Col. Serafin Petalio II, Alba was supplying illegal drugs to several nearby cities in Metro Manila including parts of the cities of Laguna.
It was also learned that he was also a member of a criminal gang allegedly involved in a series of murder of a rival gang member in the illegal drug trade.
Authorities find 9 medium sachets of suspected shabu weighing at least 50 grams worth approximately P345,000 and a pistol.