Drug war: 444 suspects slain in August 2018

MANILA, Philippines — At least 444 alleged drug personalities, or an average of 14 persons a day, were killed in law enforcement operations last month, according to data released by the government yesterday.

A report of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philipine Drug Enforcement Agency under #RealNumbersPH Year 2 showed that a total of 4,854 drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with law enforcers since President Duterte launched the war on drugs when he assumed office in July 2016.

The number of arrested drug suspects is now at 155,193, which is higher by 3,070 compared to the previous month. At least 247 of those arrested are elected government officials, 271 are government officials and 58 are members of the uniformed service.

At least 12 shabu laboratories and 223 drug dens were also dismantled, according to the report.

The government has recovered P24.12 billion worth of narcotics, including P17.39 billion worth of shabu.

The report said 8,444 of 42,026 barangays across the country were declared drug-free.

Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr., PNP spokesman, said law enforcers still have a long way to go in ridding the country of the drug menace.

“There are still a lot of things to do when gangs are continuously innovating,” Durana told a news briefing at Camp Crame.

Espinosa aide shot dead

Meanwhile, in Leyte, Joel Aberilla, an aide of suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, was shot dead before dawn yesterday.

Aberilla was drinking liquor with his friends in Barangay Alta Vista, Ormoc when the gunmen, who alighted from a white Toyota Innova, shot him several times.

“The victim tried to run away, but he fell down due to multiple gunshot wounds he suffered,” Chief Inspector Roger Octaviano of Police Station 1 said.

Octaviano said the suspects fired more shots when Aberilla fell down.

Aberilla is reportedly the manager of a seaside hotel owned by Espinosa, where drug transactions were held.

Aberilla reportedly went into hiding when Espinosa’s drug ring was neutralized. – Lalaine Jimenea