2 drug suspects killed in stings

MANILA, Philippines - Two more drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with anti-drug operatives in Isabela and Tarlac on Sunday.

Drug surrenderee Joel Manuel reportedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Tallunga, Reina Mercedes.

Rodelio Sabalo, 34, a native of Barangay Magatos, Asuncion, Davao del Norte, allegedly opened fire when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Tagumbao, Moncada.

Police said Sabalo, who moved to Barangay Camangaan East also in Moncada early this year, had been under surveillance after they received reports that he was supplying shabu in the town.

Police said the fatality yielded a 9mm pistol, 16 sachets of shabu, a Honda motorcycle and drug paraphernalia. 

Five other suspected drug personalities were arrested in Barangay Sto. Tomas, Subic, Zambales; Libtong, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte and Tangatan, Sta. Ana, Cagayan on Sunday.

Among those arrested was Glen Liberato, who is ranked second on the drug watchlist in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Meanwhile, police have yet to determine if the killing of tricycle driver Paquito Diaz, 48, a resident of Barangay Uli, Dasol, Pangasinan, was drug-related.

Diaz was shot while plying his tricycle in Barangay Malacapas. – Ding Cervantes, Raymund Catindig, Ric Sapnu, Cesar Ramirez