3 dead in drug busts

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspected drug dealers were killed in anti-drug operations in Bulacan and Cagayan in the past two days.

Christian Santiago, alias Tiano, and Ronald Sanguyo shot it out with anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Gumaoc, San Jose del Monte and Tiaong, Baliuag, respectively, on Tuesday night, Chief Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police acting director, said. 

In Cagayan, Ambrocio Pingad was shot dead when he fired at a police officer in a drug bust in Barangay Cabbo, Peñablanca yesterday. Pingad’s companion managed to escape.

Also in Cagayan, Gilbert Lavadia was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in front of a convenience store along Valenzuela street in Barangay Riverside Centro 10 on Tuesday. 

Superintendent George Cablarda, city police chief, said Lavadia was arrested and charged for violation of the Comprehensive Drugs Act in 2016, but acquitted last year. — Raymund Catindig