Drug war: 3 dead, 33 arrested

MANILA, Philippines - At least three suspected users and pushers were killed and 33 others were arrested in Metro Manila over the past two days as the government continued its war against the illegal drug trade.

In Caloocan, Joel Agosto was shot dead as police officers raided his house in Barangay 176 at around 7:25 p.m. Monday after receiving a tip about a drug session. Four of his companions were arrested.

The Northern Police District arrested four persons in Malabon and Navotas in separate drug raids.

In Quezon City, a suspected dealer identified only as Randy was killed in a reported shootout along Kaingin Zigzag Road in Barangay Pansol at around 2:30 a.m.

Reynold Tangkad, in his 30s, was standing in front of his home along Rosa street in Barangay Payatas A when an unidentified assailant shot him. He died at the scene.

Two sachets of shabu and two aluminum foil strips were recovered near his body. Eight bullet casings, a metal jacket, a metal fragment and three deformed bullets, caliber unknown, were found at the scene.

Fourteen others were arrested in separate police operations in the city.

In Manila, 11 persons were arrested in drug stings on Monday. No one was killed in the operations and no firearms were found in the possession of those arrested.