Drug war: 2 suspects killed

MANILA, Philippines - Two drug suspects were killed in separate police operations in Quezon province and Antique over the weekend.

Eduardo Magtibay was declared dead on arrival at a hospital while his companion, Velmar Antonio, was arrested following an alleged firefight in Candelaria, Quezon on Saturday.

Four police officers were wounded after they assaulted the residence of Magtibay in Barangay Malabanban Norte.

In Antique, Jeremy Garcia, 24, allegedly resisted arrest after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents in Anini-y town on Friday.

Garcia surrendered to authorities during the conduct of Oplan Tokhang in their village last year.

The suspect stopped his illegal drug trade, but later resumed operation in their village, according to case investigator Police Officer 3 Federico Macaya Jr.

Reports said Magtibay tried to escape and ran to his house after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents.

Authorities assaulted the house of the Magtibay after he refused to surrender, triggering a firefight.    

Garcia tried to escape on a motorcycle after he allegedly sold a plastic sachet of shabu to an undercover agent in San Roque Village.

The suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the officers, triggering a firefight. He was the fourth drug suspect to be killed in the province since the government resumed the anti-drug campaign.