6 killed in drug war

MANILA, Philippines - Six more drug suspects were killed either in police operations or shootings in separate areas in Luzon on Wednesday.

Three of the fatalities were recorded in Bulacan and one each in Benguet, Laguna and Rizal.

In Bulacan, Erick Guevarra and Darwin Sulit were killed after they allegedly tried to resist arrest following a sting in the cities of Meycauayan and Malolos, respectively, on Wednesday, according to Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat, Bulacan police acting director.

On the same day, Eduardo Inosanto, 47, was shot dead by six armed men who barged into his residence in San Rafael town.

Caramat said police recovered from Guevarra and Sulit several plastic sachets said to contain shabu, guns and marked money.

He said the fatalities were on the drug list of their barangays.

In Benguet, a 53-year-old drug surrenderee was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in La Trinidad.

Jeepney driver Doming Bangkoko Jr. was driving his vehicle in Barangay Tawang when he was killed.

Former councilman Joseph Venacio Smith, 50, who was standing nearby, was taken to the Benguet General Hospital for treatment after he was hit by a stray bullet.

In Laguna, Estilito Victoria, 46, was declared dead on arrival at a hospital following an alleged firefight with police officers in Victoria town.

Police said Victoria was a top drug supplier in the municipality.

A police officer, who was not identified, suffered a gunshot to the body.

The suspect reportedly pulled out a gun after sensing that he was dealing with police officers.

In Rizal, Prince Joseph Bello was killed after he allegedly shot it out with police officers in Baras town.

Police allegedly recovered from the suspect a .38 caliber revolver and 10 plastic sachets said to contain shabu.

In Albay, Ronald Banzalan was arrested in a sting conducted by police and Army soldiers in Pio Duran town.

Drug-related?

Meanwhile, police have yet to determine if the killing of seven persons in separate shootings in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal in the past three days were drug-related.

Bernie Fejer, 45, was driving his motorcycle when he was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Wednesday night.

Ricarte Evangelista died at the scene when he was attacked in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Tuesday.

On the same day, two unidentified men were killed when their Land Cruiser was strafed by gunmen in a white car in Mabitac, Laguna at around 1 p.m.

Minutes later, a certain Dexter was shot dead in front of public market in Antipolo City, Rizal.

John Kenneth Olan was killed in Lipa City, Batangas while Charles Allan Labradilla was shot dead by a certain Jomar Magales in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, yesterday.