7 suspects slain in shootings in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Seven suspects, five of them alleged drug dealers, were killed in separate incidents in Luzon in the past two days.

Jomel Ramos and Julie Lazo shot it out with police officers in drug stings in Barangay San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan and Sinabbaran, Echague, Isabela, respectively, yesterday, police said.

Guindulman Eulogio Jr. also reportedly engaged anti-narcotics agents in a shootout in Barangay Pasong Canachie 2, General Trias, Cavite at around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Nicolie del Mundo was in front of his house when a lone gunman shot him several times in Barangay Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna at around 9:10 p.m.

Superintendent Joselito de Sesto, Calamba police chief, said probers are eyeing illegal drugs as the motive for the killing.

Drug surrenderee Elvis Benito was shot by motorcycle-riding assailants in front of a  karaoke bar in Barangay Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

A man accused of raping a girl in San Jose, Batangas allegedly fired at responding police officers at around 4:20 p.m. also on Thursday.

Police said suspected contract killer Joselito Cruz fired at law enforcers serving a warrant of arrest for illegal possession of firearms at his house in Barangay Bubulong Malaki, San Ildefonso Bulacan at about 7 a.m. yesterday. – Ed Amoroso, Emmanuel Tupas, Raymund Catindig