Drug suspect slain, 33 others nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected drug pusher was killed and 33 others were arrested in separate police operations in Metro Manila over the weekend. 

In Manila, Alexander Santos died after he allegedly engaged police in a shootout during a sting in Tondo.

Santos was allegedly on the drug watchlist.

Members of the Manila Police District Station 9 led by Chief Inspector Manny Israel conducted an operation against Santos at the Claribel Compound along Road-10 in Barangay 123, Zone 9 at around 3:45 a.m. 

Police Officer 1 Herwin Ayson, who posed as a buyer, said he was able to close a drug deal with the suspect.

When Santos sensed that he was transacting with police, he allegedly fired at the authorities, prompting them to retaliate.

In Quezon City, 21 drug suspects were collared in separate operations in Barangays Old Balara, Pinyahan, Bahay Toro, Holy Spirit, South Triangle and Pinagkaisan.  

In southern Metro Manila, police arrested 12 more drug suspects.

Samuel dela Torre Badinas, 21, was nabbed for alleged possesion of shabu along NAIA Road in Pasay City.

In Makati, three other drug suspects were nabbed by anti-narcotics agents during a sting along J.B. Roxas street in Barangay Olympia.

They were Tetchie Alejandro, 32; John Michael Siron, 25, and Ara Espiritu, 32.

Police said they recovered four sachets of shabu and P200 in marked money from the suspects.

In Taguig City, eight persons were apprehended by police in separate drug stings in Barangays Tuktukan, Katuparan and Ususan.

The suspects are being held by police on charges of violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. – Ghio Ong