Drug war: 4 suspects killed in stings

MANILA, Philippines — Four drug suspects were killed in anti-drug operations in Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna on Thursday night.

An alias Louie drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to police officers who posed as buyers in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte at around 11 p.m., Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, acting Bulacan police director, said.

A .38-caliber revolver and around six grams of shabu were reportedly recovered from the fatality. His companion managed to escape.

Arnel Pakingan and an alias Jonjon and his unidentified companion also reportedly shot it out with anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Salawag, Dasmariñas, Cavite and Parian, Calamba, Laguna, respectively.

Mayor’s aide, trader slain

Meanwhile, unidentified men shot dead a security escort of the mayor of Uson, Masbate on Wednesday.

 Charlie Moncada, 51, a private bodyguard of Mayor Salvadora Sanchez, was herding his cattle in Barangay Madao when he was shot at around 3 p.m., Senior Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol PNP spokesperson, said. 

In Iloilo City, egg trader Ranny Bibangco, 33, was talking to a fruit vendor when he was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants wearing masks and bonnets at a market in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala yesterday morning.

Roberto Oruga was pushing a trolley along a railroad in Barangay Ilusong, Plaridel, Quezon on Thursday when he was shot dead.

Probers have yet to determine the motives for the killings. – Ed Amoroso, Celso Amo, Jennifer Rendon