3 killed in Iloilo, Negros drug war

MANILA, Philippines - Three men, including a former police officer, were killed in separate anti-drug operations in Iloilo and Negros Oriental in the past two days.

Charles Lubao, 30, and Jaime Buaron II, 37, both of Capiz, allegedly resisted arrest after sensing that they were dealing with police officers in Zarraga, Iloilo on Saturday.

Meanwhile, former policeman Rey Antonio Saga died at the scene after he allegedly exchanged fire with undercover agents in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental yesterday.

Saga was on the drug list of the provincial police, according to provincial police director Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas.

Police said they recovered from the suspect 11 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P165,000, a revolver, a motorcycle and marked money.

Lubao allegedly pulled out a pistol and Buaron a hand grenade, according to Chief Inspector Herbert Ballego, town police chief.

“The arresting team shot Buaron first, while Lubao tried to flee but was also shot,” Ballego said.

The suspects were declared dead on arrival at the Iloilo Provincial Hospital in nearby Pototan town.

Lubao was the target of a sting in Barangay Poblacion Ilaya by members of the provincial police drug enforcement unit and the Zarraga police, Ballego said.

Team leader Senior Inspector Jason Pancha said Lubao sold a sachet of shabu worth P500 to an undercover agent.

Lubao wanted to conduct the drug deal in Iloilo City, which was not under the jurisdiction of the provincial police drug enforcement unit, Pancha said.

The team asked Lubao to change the venue for the deal and they agreed to hold it in Zarraga.

Police said they recovered 21 plastic sachets said to contain shabu from the pockets of Lubao’s pants and two from Buaron.