7 dead in drug-related shootings, stings

MANILA, Philippines - At least seven persons were killed in drug-related shootings and anti-drug operations in Metro Manila since Wednesday.

Among the victims is Johnny Reyes, 55, who was shot dead in front of his eight-year-old daughter as he was buying coffee in Tondo, Manila at past midnight yesterday.

Reyes, a resident of Hermosa street, went to a nearby store with his daughter when three men wearing bonnets attacked, according to Senior Police Officer 4 Glenzor Vallejo.

He said Reyes shoved his daughter aside when he saw one of the suspects pull out a handgun. The assailants shot Reyes several times, with one of them shooting him in the head before fleeing.

Reyes’ former partner said the victim was a drug surrenderee.

In Mandaluyong, drug surrenderee Rogelio Dalisay, 29, died from gunshot wounds in the neck and arm following an attack by two assailants as he was driving a tricycle along San Francisco street just before 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Also in Mandaluyong, Gilbert Gorospe, 33, died from a gunshot wound in the buttocks following an alleged shootout with police officers during a drug sting in Barangay Poblacion Wednesday night. He was in the barangay drug watchlist.

In Malabon City, neighbors Jessie Manzano, 44, and William Habalita, 42, were killed by unidentified assailants who barged into their homes in Barangay Catmon Wednesday night.

Senior Inspector Dennis Javier said the victims were drug surrenderees.

In Muntinlupa City, Jarra Hassan was shot dead by unidentified assailants along Burma street at the New Bilibid Prison reservation yesterday afternoon after visiting her husband, Ganer Hassan, who is serving a sentence for selling illegal drugs.

In Caloocan City, Antonio Palmario, suspected of maintaining a drug den, was killed in an alleged shootout with policemen along Guido street in Barangay 182 at around 9 p.m. Wednesday night. – Rey Galupo, Non Alquitran, Robertzon Ramirez