4 drug suspects slain in Quezon City shootout

MANILA, Philippines - Four drug suspects were killed and another was wounded after they allegedly traded shots with police during the implementation of Oplan Tokhang in Quezon City on Sunday.

Raffy Gabo, 23; Anthony Comendo, 36; Marcelo Daa, 31, and a certain Jess died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

They were killed after they allegedly shot police officers who were conducting Oplan Tokhang at Purok 9 in Barangay Bagong Silangan at around 3:40 p.m.

Efren Morillo, 28, was wounded in the exchange of gunfire.

Morillo fled to Montalban, Rizal where he sought medical treatment.

He was apprehended by operatives of the Batasan police community precinct in a follow-up operation.

The suspect was transferred to the East Avenue Medical Center, where he is being guarded by police.

Police said they recovered two caliber .38 revolvers, two caliber .45 pistols, two sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Guillermo Eleazar urged suspected drug pushers to surrender instead of engaging police in a shootout.

In Caloocan City, an alleged drug pusher was killed by an unidentified assailant on Sunday.

Probers said Danilo Buenafe, 44, was sleeping when the suspect broke into his house in Barangay 164 and shot him several times.

A barangay official told police that Buenafe was a known drug pusher in the area. His house was allegedly used as a drug den, police said.

Holistic approach vs drugs

Meanwhile, the Taguig City government has adopted a holistic approach in its fight against illegal drugs.

 Mindful of the devastating effects of drug abuse on individuals and communities, the Taguig Anti-Drug Abuse Council launched a drug-free community program, which aims to transform drug dependents into productive members of the society.

It is a two-month program that will engage drug dependents in physical activities, counseling, medical checkups and drug testing as well as livelihood programs.

“The drug situation has reached alarming proportions and the national government needs the help of local government units (LGUs) to eradicate the menace,” Mayor Lani Cayetano said.

The program is Taguig’s response to the lack of drug rehabilitation centers in the country, Cayetano said.

She said LGUs are mandated by law to assist the national government in enforcing Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Taguig police chief Senior Superintendent Allen Ocden expressed support for the program. – With Rey Galupo, Mike Frialde