6 dead in Laguna, Quezon drug war

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Philippines — Six more drug suspects have been added to the list of those killed in anti-drug operations in Laguna and Quezon.

Dennis Guilas and Ronald Bestre, alias Tim, were killed in shootouts with anti-narcotics agents in Barangays Bucal and Turbina, respectively, in Calamba on Tuesday night, according to Senior Superintendent Eleazar Matta, Laguna police director.

Matta said Ramonchito Fajardo, Jayson Garcia and a certain Tito Vitas, suspected members of the Fajardo drug ring, managed to escape.

Arjay Gavan, Ade Abellada and an alias Brix were killed in alleged shootouts with police officers in stings in Barangay Uwisan, Calamba and San Antonio, San Pablo before dawn yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Osmundo de Guzman, Quezon police director, said Reymundo Robedillo, who was on the drug watchlist, was shot dead as he drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Cotta, Lucena on Tuesday.

Vice mayor held

In Agusan del Norte, Vice Mayor Glecerio Monton of Jabonga town was arrested yesterday for possession of illegal drugs.

Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, Caraga police director, said about 60 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P708,000 and a hand grenade were seized during a raid on Monton’s house in Barangay Poblacion at around 8:55 a.m.

Cruz said Monton is on the list of “high-value” drug suspects in the province. – Emmanuel Tupas, Ben Serrano