A 23-year-old drug suspect was killed during a drug buy-bust.

ILOCOS NORTE- A 23-year-old former drug surrenderee was killed in an encounter in Poblacion Uno, Currimao, Ilocos Norte early Wednesday, police said.

The victim was identified as Benedict Corpuz. He sustained a gunshot wound in the back of his head.

According to the investigation, the authorities from PNP-Currimao and PNP-Pinili conducted a drug buy-bust operation after learning that Corpuz still sold illegal drugs despite turning himself in to the police.

"Second week ng July siya nag-surrender sa atin pero according sa information na galing sa mga surrenderees ng PNP-Pinili, Ilocos Norte na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang pagbenta o pagsuplay niya ng illegal drugs sa Pinili," said Senior Insp. Ryan Retotar, chief of PNP-Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

After the transaction, Corpuz noticed that the poseur buyer is a cop, police said. He allegedly drew a gun from his bag and pointed it at the buyer. The other policemen who served as back-up then shot Corpuz.

"Nagpakilala na mga tropa na pulis sila at sinabihan itong ‘wag nang lalaban kaso dinukot niya ang baril niya at itinutok sa poseur buyer natin, kaya ito inunahan na ng back-up na isa ring police," Retotar said.

Retotar said Corpuz's gun was loaded.

Recovered from the crime scene were a caliber .45 pistol and a sling bag that contained sachets of alleged shabu.

Pat Corpuz, the father of victim, said they have no knowledge about the allegations against Benedict.

"Wala kaming alam d’yan, sir. Hindi naman namin nahahalata na mayroon siyang koneksiyon sa iligal na droga," he said.

The family has yet to decide if they are going to file a complaint against the authorities.