5 drug suspects slain

MANILA, Philippines -  Four more drug suspects were killed in separate incidents in Luzon on Thursday while another was shot dead yesterday.

Ruel Girao, who was ranked 10th on the drug watchlist of Batangas, allegedly fired at police operatives serving a search warrant at his residence in Barangay San Pedro, Malvar town at around 1:25 a.m. yesterday.

Jeffrey Nunez, 39, who surrendered under Oplan Tokhang last year, was standing along Partelo street in Barangay Zone 4, Bangued, Abra when he was shot by unidentified motorcycle-riding men. He died on the way to the Seares Memorial Hospital.

Another drug surrenderee Andrew Eser reportedly fired at anti-drug agents in Barangay Antipona, Bocaue, Bulacan. At least 19 sachets of shabu and a caliber .38 revolver were reportedly recovered from the fatality.

Also in Bulacan, a suspected victim of summary execution, who has yet to be identified, was found along Hulo street in Barangay Bagbaguin, Meycauayan. The head and arm of the victim was covered with packing tape. A sachet of shabu was found near his body.

Rowel Israel allegedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to a policeman who posed as a buyer in Barangay Maraburab, Alcala, Cagayan.

Edwin Raquepo, 50, suffered serious injuries in a gun attack by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Lapting, San Juan, Ilocos Sur. He was initially taken to the Suero Hospital then transferred to Northside Doctors Hospital in Bantay town for treatment. The victim surrendered under Oplan Tokhang last year.

Meanwhile, police are still investigating the motives for gun attacks that left three men dead in Rizal and Batangas on Thursday. 

Two of the victims were identified as Raymark Cabition and Song Vargas who were shot in Barangay San Juan, Antipolo City and Pinugay, Baras, respectively.

Carlito Landicho, 48, was on his way home when he was shot along the highway in Barangay Muzon II in Bauan town. – Raymund Catindig, Ric Sapnu, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Artemio Dumlao, Ed Amoroso, Emmanuel Tupas