Big-time drug trafficker slain in Quezon clash

By Jun Talusan

AN alleged big-time drug peddler was killed in an encounter with operatives who were about to implement two search warrants at his residence in Bgy. Concepcion Banahaw, Sariaya, Quezon before dawn yesterday.

Marlon Mendoza, a 44-year-old drug surrenderee, died on the spot.

According to Quezon police director Col. Ledon Monte, prior to the encounter, joint members of the Sariaya Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, and Provincial Police Mobile Force 1st Company went to the house of the suspect at 4:30 a.m.  yesterday to serve search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosive.

Mendoza, upon seeing the approaching officers, fired at them using two cal. .45 pistols while running away from the house.

Lawmen were prompted to retaliate while chasing the fleeing suspect.

Police recovered at the clash site four heat- sealed transparent plastic sachets containing six grams of 

suspected shabu worth P122,400, two  loaded cal. .45 pistols, and12 fired cartridges for the guns.

A background check showed Mendoza was arrested by the Sariaya police on November 14, 2017 for illegal possession of firearm.

Records also showed the suspect was among the drug surrenderees in 2016 and was also included in  BADAC (Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council) list.