4 dead in drug shootings in Quezon City, Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Three men were killed in separate drug-related shootings in Quezon City yesterday.

In the first encounter, two men, known only as Payat and Barok, were shot dead in Barangay Payatas B at around 12:15 a.m.

Anti-narcotics operatives from the Batasan police station said they were able to buy P500 worth of shabu from the suspects.

The suspects died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Probers said they recovered 12 sachets of shabu and two .38-caliber handguns from the suspects.

In Barangay Bagong Pag-asa, Ronald Monterosa, 32, was killed by police along Rivera street in San Roque 2 at around 5 a.m.

Police officers said they were conducting anti-crime operations when they chanced upon a group of men playing an illegal gambling game. 

Monterosa allegedly opened fire at the police, who retaliated.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Quezon City General Hospital.

Police said they confiscated a pack of shabu and a  .22-caliber handgun at the scene.

Authorities said Monterosa was arrested last February on drug charges but was released after posting bail. 

At least 20 other drug suspects were rounded up in the city over the weekend. 

In Manila, a suspected drug pusher, known only as Buknoy, was killed after he allegedly fired at police during a sting in Tondo.

The suspect allegedly yielded 10 sachets of shabu and a 9mm pistol.

Ten other drug suspects were apprehended in separate anti-narcotics operations in Taguig, Pasig and Mandaluyong.

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