2 drug suspects shot dead

MANILA, Philippines — Two more drug suspects were killed in Romblon and Bulacan as the government continued its campaign against illegal drugs in the past two days.

Rolando Medina, 49, reportedly shot it out with anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Liwanag, Odiongan, Romblon at around 3 p.m. on Tuesday.

Superintendent Imelda Tolentino, Mimaropa police spokesperson, said Medina was on the list of “high-value” targets of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Police said the fatality yielded a .38-caliber revolver and six grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P30,000.

In Bulacan, an alias Hapon was shot dead when he fired at police officers in Barangay Mulawin, San Jose del Monte yesterday.

“The suspect had sensed that his buyer is a police officer,” Chief Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police acting director, said.

The fatality reportedly yielded a .38-caliber revolver and 5.5 grams of shabu valued at P37,400.

P4.5-M shabu seized; village execs held

Meanwhile, anti-narcotics agents seized packs of shabu weighing around 500 grams worth P2.9 million in a drug sting in Barangay Malhacan, Meycauayan, Bulacan yesterday.

The illegal drugs were recovered from John Paul Palacan, 38, a resident of Barangay Lingunan in Valenzuela City, and Marivic Solveto of Marilao, who were arrested at a fastfood restaurant.

In Cavite, more than 100 grams of shabu valued at around P700,000 were recovered from Franco Marquez, Joji Iam Canomizado and Kasandra Martinez in Barangay Molino 3, Bacoor.

Nestor Salama, 47, chairman of Barangay Balatongkayo in Montawal, Maguindanao, was arrested for possession of around P300,000 worth of shabu and an unlicensed pistol.

Also arrested were Salama’s wife Norhata, 42, and their alleged cohorts Kabunto Batunan, 39, and Johari Zombaga, 20.

In Ilocos Sur, barangay kagawad Eddie Cabico, who is in President Duterte’s narco list was arrested in a sting in Barangay Langaoan, Sta. Maria.

Three packs of shabu worth P800,000 were reportedly recovered from Ismael Hanapiya, 37, and Omar Milan, 22, both surnamed Jikiri and residents of Barangay Parang, Jolo, Sulu, in Barangay Canelar also on Tuesday. – Ed Amoroso, John Unson, Raymund Catindig, Ding Cervantes, Roel Pareño, Cecille Suerte Felipe