The family of a drug suspect who was killed when he allegedly resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Bryan Laresma, 33, was killed evening on May 28, 2024. The operation was carried out in Barangay Lipahan, San Juan, Batangas.

According to Laresma's relatives, there was no truth to the police claim that he resisted arrest during the operation.

Laresma’s brother, Adrian, also said his brother was merely meeting him to hand over money to purchase a rechargeable fan for their nephew. 

He said Bryan was waiting for him under the bridge when two cars arrived.

"Sa bilis po ng pangyayari, sabay-sabay po kami ng paghinto, bigla pong bumukas ‘yung huli na kotseng green. Pagbukas po, may lumabas na pulis, alam ko po nga pulis ‘yun eh, tapos binaril po agad ang kapatid ko," Adrian said.

"Yung sinabi pong nanlaban at tsaka po abutan, wala po, kasi pana-panabay po kaming dumating doon," he added.

The Provincial Internal Affairs Service of Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) assured a fair investigation into the incident. 

The office said the police officer involved will face appropriate charges if found to have violated protocols.

"According sa Rule 6 Section 1 ng NAPOLCOM Memorandum Circular 2016-002, ang IAS (Internal Affairs Service) po ay may authority na mag-conduct ng motu proprio investigation regarding sa incidents where death, serious physical injuries, or any violation of human rights, during the conduct of operations relating to buy-bust operation," PLTCOL. Virgilio Carodan, Provincial Superintendent, Internal Affairs Service, Batangas PPO, said.

"Sasampahan po natin ng irregularity in the performance of duty, dahil ng may namatay, homicide ito, so it falls under grave misconduct," Carodan added.

The Batangas PPO has formed a Special Investigation Task Group.

The Provincial IAS urged the Laresma family to come forward and provide their statement to the Batangas PPO.