Three killed in buy-bust operation in San Mateo, Rizal

Three men died after they allegedly engaged in a gunfight with police during a buy-bust operation in San Mateo, Rizal on Monday night, a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday said.

The encounter happened in Brgy. Banaba at past 10 p.m.

Policemen barged into a house suspected to be a drug den where a police asset just bought illegal drugs, the report by GMA News' Jay Sabale said.

One of the victims was identified as Joel Parungao who is on the list of top 10 drug personalities in San Mateo.

The owner of the house, Roel Avila, was also killed.

The third victim has not yet been identified as of posting time.

Four other people who were allegedly caught in the act taking drugs in the house during the raid were arrested.

P/Supt. Ruben Marte Piquero, chief of police of San Mateo Philippine National Police, said on Monday that after they arrested the four suspects taking drugs, the three other suspects engaged the cops in a gunfight.

Authorities said Parungao and Avila were the primary targets of the operation.

The four suspects who were arrested denied they were taking drugs, and said they were just there for a drinking session.

The suspects are currently detained at the San Mateo Police headquarters.

The victims' bodies, meanwhile, were brought to Heaven's Gate Funeral Homes. —KG, GMA News