An elusive suspected drug dealer was shot dead by police after allegedly resisting arrest during a drug buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City on Wednesday night.

According to Police Sr. Insp. Romar Labasbas of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), Moises Gequillo, Jr., was gunned down by various police units after he shot at a police poseur-buyer.

The undercover cop was not hit but sustained multiple cuts as he stumbled after running from Gequillo.

Labasbas said that Gequillo pulled out his .45 caliber pistol and shot at the police officer after sensing that he was subjected to a sting operation prompting police operatives of the PIB, Tagbilaran SWAT, and Regional Special Operations Group 7 to move in and fire back.

Gequillo was still rushed to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City but was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, police allegedly found 3.6 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P47,200 in Gequillo’s possession .

Labasbas said that police have been going after Gequillo for several months but were having difficulty in tracking him down as he continuously moved his operation from one place to another.

For his part, PO3 Jonathan Argao of the Tagbilaran City Police Station said that Gequillo was always armed and had resisted arrest in two separate operations in the past.

Gequillo allegedly shot at Argao and other police officers as he escaped during an operation against one Maria Fallar in Barangay Dampas last month.

The suspect was able to evade arrest during another operation in Barangay Bool also in August after shooting at arresting police officers, said Argao. (W. Maestrado)