4 slain in Quezon City shootings

MANILA, Philippines — Four suspected criminals were killed by police in separate shootings in Quezon City yesterday.

The first encounter occurred in Barangay Kamuning where two alleged drug dealers were shot dead after they allegedly engaged police in a firefight at around 6 a.m.

Ramil Pancipane and alias Nonoy died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr., director of the Quezon City Police District, said the suspects allegedly sold shabu for P500 to a policeman who posed as a buyer.

When the suspects sensed that they were dealing with police, Pancipane and Nonoy reportedly opened fire, prompting lawmen to retaliate.

Police said they recovered a .38-caliber handgun, a .45-caliber pistol and four sachets of shabu from the suspects.

Two suspected motorcycle robbers were killed in what police said was a shootout in Barangay Payatas at around 2:15 a.m.

The fatalities were known only as Black Jack and Asiong.

They reportedly tried to sell a stolen motorcycle to a policeman for P20,000.

The suspects allegedly yielded two firearms and four packs of shabu.

According to police, the suspects stole the motorcycle from its owner in Barangay Holy Spirit on Thursday.

The victim sought police help after the suspects sent a text message to his brother asking for money in exchange for the motorbike.        

More drug suspects fall

Meanwhile, 26 persons were arrested in separate drug stings in Quezon City in the past two days.

Four drug suspects were collared by police in Barangay Pansol. They were Joseph Bacali, 21; Anna Bayle, 27; Jonathan Palisoc, 32, and Rommel Abaygar, 23.

Police said they recovered 13 sachets of shabu from the suspects.

Two other suspects – Ronald Abella, 38, and Cerilo Tamba, 28 – were nabbed in Barangay Tagumpay for alleged possession of illegal drugs.

Anti-narcotics agents arrested Alfredo Calica, 31, after he allegedly sold shabu to a policeman in Barangay Payatas.

Nineteen drug suspects were rounded up by police in other areas in Quezon City.

Six suspected drug pushers and users were nabbed in Marikina and Pasig.

They were Cristina Bitonio, alias Tina, 24; Marife Oishi, 32; Manuel Bautista, 52; Rafael Pineda, 43; Arnie Lazaro, 31, and Jomar Gonzales, 27.

In Pasay City, a Chinese woman was arrested for alleged shabu possesion.

Li Na, 40, of San Juan street in Barangay 21 Zone 2, allegedly yielded three sachets of shabu.

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