Drug suspect slain, 17 nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A drug suspect was killed in a supposed shootout with police while 17 others were arrested in Quezon City before dawn yesterday.

Vergil Leblora, alias Kilat, 43, was declared dead on arrival at the Far Eastern University Hospital.

Leblora, said to be a drug pusher who had gone big-time, surrendered to authorities under Oplan Tokhang in July 2016.

Police said they were able to buy P500 worth of shabu from the suspect during a sting along Astor street in Barangay North Fairview at around 1:10 a.m.

Leblora allegedly yielded 10 packs of shabu and a .45-caliber handgun.

Police nabbed 17 people in a raid on a drug den along Zuazuarregi street in Barangay Old Balara.

Authorities said they confiscated 38 sachets of shabu with an estimated street value of P170,000 and drug paraphernalia at the scene.