Ex-cop, 6 drug dealers slain in Laguna

MANILA, Philippines — A retired policeman and six suspected drug dealers were killed in separate stings in Laguna yesterday and on Thursday.

The alleged pushers were killed when they engaged policemen in shootouts, said Senior Superintendent Eleazar Matta, Laguna police director.

Killed in the shootouts were retired Senior Police Officer 3 Nelson Dimatulac; Rommel Balabad, alias One Side; Brian Belmonte, alias Tyman; Joesan Calatin; Wilmar Tolosa; Joemar Sarreal, and a certain Quintin.

Recovered from the suspects were assorted firearms and sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). – With Ed Amoroso