‘Drug ring chief’ killed in shootout

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna  , Philippines  — A suspected leader of a drug trafficking group was killed in an alleged encounter with police officers in Lipa City, Batangas on Saturday.

Von Villanueva, said to be the leader of the Villanueva drug syndicate, died at the scene following a firefight in Barangay Lodlod.

Aside from illegal drug activities, the group was reportedly engaged in contract killings, according to Senior Superintendent Alden Delvo, Batangas police director.

Villanueva was also tagged in the murder of Senior Police Officer 1 Brian de Jesus of the Balayan municipal police. 

The suspect ranked ninth among Balayan’s most wanted men.

Villanueva pulled out a gun and shot at police officers out to serve a warrant for his arrest, Lipa City police chief Superintendent Meliton Salvadora said.