An alleged drug pusher, listed as the top drug personality in Dauis, was shot dead Thursday afternoon after he reportedly engaged police officers in a shootout during a buy-bust operation.

A Dauis police report noted that the suspect, Carmelo Laborte, 36, became suspicious as he was transacting with a police poseur-buyer inside his home in the said town.

Laborte, a native of Maribojoc living in Mariveles, Dauis, reportedly fled toward the second floor of his house and started shooting at pursuing operatives of the municipal police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Police officers then returned fire, killing Laborte on the spot.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds to his head and body which caused his instantaneous death according to the police report.

Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered two packs of suspected shabu, drug paraphernalia and a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver in the possession of the slain suspect. (Willy Maestrado)