9 suspects slain in Luzon drug war

MANILA, Philippines – Nine more suspected drug pushers, including a former police officer, were killed in separate incidents in Luzon in the past two days.

Abel Mabait drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Poblacion 5 in Tanauan City, Batangas at around 9:30 a.m. yesterday.

Police said Mabait was a “high-value” drug pusher who surrendered under Oplan Tokhang recently.

On Tuesday, former San Miguel, Bulacan police officer Marjo Sidayen, 41; Michael Taradel and John Albert Aporedo shot it out with police operatives who responded to reports of a pot session in Barangay Tigoalas, said Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director.

Three caliber .38 revolvers, a 9mm pistol as well as ammunition, several sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia were recovered at the scene.

An alias Jao of Barangay Cambaog in Bustos town allegedly traded shots with policemen during a sting also on Tuesday. 

Crisencio Montaril, 36, of Barangay Sampaloc in San Rafael was having a drinking spree at his house when two unidentified men entered and fired at him.

Two bullet shells for a caliber .45 pistol were recovered at the scene. A piece of cardboard identifying the fatality as a robber and pusher were found near his body.

A teenager was killed while a porter was wounded in a gun attack in Barangay Taloy Sur in Tuba, Benguet. ?

Chief Inspector Jim Hilario, Tuba police chief, identified the fatality as Kyla Quinto. Her companion Ariel Oligario, 27, escaped.

The victims were in a cab on their way to La Union when unidentified men asked them to pull over.

Police said Quinto surrendered under Oplan Tokhang recently.

In Cagayan, sales agent Paul Sonido, 35, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men while fueling up at a gasoline station in Barangay Pengue in Tuguegarao City. ?

Chief Inspector Ramon Macarubbo, Alcala police chief, said Sonido was on their drug watchlist and surrendered on July 14.?

Benjie Garing was gunned down by unidentified men in Barangay San Agustin in Libon, Albay also on Tuesday.  His companion Eugene Berlina was wounded and taken to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital for treatment.

In Isabela, mobile phone technician Ismael Amin Maistegi, 35, was wounded in a gun attack by suspected vigilantes in Purok 7, Bliss Village in  Ilagan City.

Police said the victim is ranked second on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Cagayan Valley. – Ric Sapnu, Raymund Catindig, Artemio Dumlao, Ed Amoroso, Arnell Ozaeta, Francis Elevado