Alleged drug user shot dead

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected drug user was killed by four unidentified assailants in San Andres Bukid, Manila on Tuesday night.

Ronaldo Remulacio, 40, died at the scene from multiple gunshots to the body.

Remulacio’s partner, Melinda Mercado, told police that one of the gunmen opened the window of their shanty and opened fired.

Neighbors said the assailants fled on two motorcycles after the killing.

Mercado admitted to police that Remulacio was a former drug dependent.

29 drug suspects fall

Twenty-nine drug suspects, including a 17-year-old boy, were apprehended in separate anti-narcotics operations in Manila and Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela) areas in the past two days.

Police identified some of the suspects as Marlyn Mayor, 25; Angelica Mejia, 20; Edward Baluyan, 18, and Michael Rodriguez, 40.

The suspects allegedly yielded shabu and drug paraphernalia.

They are being held by police on charges of violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Traffic enforcer slain

Meanwhile, a volunteer traffic enforcer was gunned down by two assailants on a motorcycle after bringing his child to school in Quezon City yesterday.

Teogenes Mendez, 51, was shot dead near the Divine Grace Elementary School in Barangay Pasong Putik at around 6 a.m.

A witness told police that he saw the back rider of the motorcycle pull out a handgun and fire at Mendez.

The suspects took Mendez’s bag and handheld radio before fleeing.

Senior Inspector Elmer Monsalve, head of the Quezon City Police District homicide section, said the killing could be related to Mendez’s participation in conducting Oplan Tokhang in the area.

Monsalve said Mendez was active in the barangay’s anti-illegal drug operations.