Cop, 3 drug suspects killed in stings

MANILA, Philippines — Four drug suspects including a police officer were killed in separate anti-drug operations in Luzon on Saturday.

Police Officer 3 Marco Hashim Alegre of the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police reportedly engaged an undercover agent in a firefight following a sting in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro. He died at the scene.

Probers reportedly recovered from Alegre a .45 caliber pistol and several plastic sachets said to contain illegal drugs.

Alegre went awol (absent without official leave) in August 2016 and was restored to active duty in May this year, according to Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Licup, regional police director.

The slain officer was allegedly a major drug trafficker in Occidental Mindoro.

In Batangas, Jeffrey Espeleta, alias Barok, allegedly exchanged fire with police officers out to serve a search warrant at his home in Barangay Sambat, San Pascual town.

Espeleta, who died as he was being taken to the hospital, was reportedly on the drug list of the police.

In Bulacan, a drug suspect identified as Orko reportedly pulled out a gun after sensing he was dealing with undercover agents in San Jose del Monte City.

The suspect shot at the officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in his death, according to Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, acting provincial police director.

On the same day, Reynaldo Falcon, alias Loloy, reportedly engaged police officers in a firefight in Lucena City, Quezon province.

Probers recovered from Falcon a .38 caliber revolver, five plastic sachets said to contain shabu and cash. – Ed Amoroso, Ramon Efren Lazaro, Michelle Zoleta