4 suspects killed in drug war

MANILA, Philippines – Four more persons, including an alleged member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), were killed in drug stings on Tuesday.

An alias Mandy reportedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to a policeman in Barangay Bagbaguin in Pandi, Bulacan at around 11:30 a.m. 

A man identified only as Tisoy shot it out with anti-drug operatives in Barangay San Isidro in Cainta, Rizal at around 6:45 p.m. 

Tisoy was tagged in the proliferation of shabu at a village in the barangay, said Superintendent Noel Ponollera, Cainta police chief.

Jovanny Ballenas, a resident of Barbara, Antique, was killed in an alleged shootout with police during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Dalipe in San Jose, Antique at around 4:15 p.m.

A card found on Ballenas’ pocket identified him as a member of the MNLF under the Nosu command with the rank of technical sergeant.

Superintendent Norby Escobar, San Jose police chief, said Ballenas refused to surrender under Oplan Tokhang.

Police said sachets of shabu, marked money and guns were recovered from the fatalities.

Drug-related?

Meanwhile, police are investigating if the killing of Rexie Gervacio by unidentified men along the Zapote-Molino road in Barangay Aniban 1 in Bacoor City, Cavite was drug-related.

Superintendent Christopher Olazo, Bacoor City police chief, said bystander Verginia Barrera was hit by a stray bullet.

Revandolph Pesigan was taken to the Our Lady of Caysasay Medical Center for treatment after three men fired at him in Barangay Lucky in Lemery, Batangas also on Tuesday. The victim was sitting on the terrace of his house when he was shot.

In Ozamis City, Ariel Bundaon, Lyndon Bolante and Rosevilla Villamor were arrested in a sting in Barangay Guingona yesterday.

At least 1,000 marijuana plants, three kilos of marijuana seeds, a .38-caliber revolver and a 12-gauge shotgun as well as ammunition were reportedly recovered from the suspects. – Ric Sapnu, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Ed Amoroso, Jennifer Rendon, Non Alquitran, Lino de la Cruz