5 slain in shootings

MANILA, Philippines — Two drug suspects were killed in drug busts in Bulacan while unidentified men gunned down three other persons in Rizal and Batangas in the past two days.

Rolando Gante, 41, shot it out with anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Santisima Trinidad, Malolos and Rogelio Rosales, 21, in San Roque, Pandi, according to Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, acting Bulacan police director. 

Police said nine sachets of shabu, 12 sachets of marijuana, a caliber .22 revolver and a caliber .38 were recovered from the fatalities, who were on the drug watchlist in their respective barangays.

In Rizal, Ramon Ramos, 52, and Antonio Diaz, 47, were having a drinking spree in Barangay Pinugay, Baras when motorcycle-riding men opened fire. They were pronounced dead on arrival in a hospital.

Canadian Barry Gamon, 66, and his wife Luzviminda were standing in front of their house in Barangay Tinga Itaas, Batangas City when a lone gunman shot them several times.

Gamon died while being treated at the St. Camillus Hospital, where Luzviminda remains confined.

Probers said a land dispute could be the motive for the killing. – Non Alquitran, Ed Amoroso, Raymond Efren Lazaro