Two gunrunners were shot dead on Tuesday afternoon in Angeles City.
PCapt. Agnes Nolasco of the Angeles City Police Office (ACPO) identified the two as Leoncio Ceballos, jobless, of Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City; and Joshua Castro aka “Tom,” resident of Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City. Ceballos is listed in ACPO Drug watchlist while Castro is No. 1 Sibat Target of Police Station 4.
Nolasco said an entrapment operation against the suspects was set up after they offered to sell illegal firearms. During the deal, suspects sensed they were dealing with police officers and suddenly drew their guns and fired on the lawmen which prompted to retaliate killing the suspects.
Recovered from Ceballos is a serial number-less Smith and Wesson .357 revolver with four live ammunitions two fired cartridge case and two sachets of shabu.
Confiscated from Castro is a .38 revolver with serial no. TRO3983341, with four live ammunitions.
The suspects were reportedly involved in a series of theft and robbery incidents in Angeles City and nearby municipalities, the latest of which transpired on July 1, 2020 when they carted away a 12-gauge Armscor shotgun of SG Elmer Espinosa who was on duty at Skin Care Clinic located along Mc Arthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City.