3 drug suspects slain in Nueva Ecija

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Three suspected drug traffickers were killed in alleged encounters with police officers in Nueva Ecija in the past two days.

Bernie Tan reportedly drew his gun after sensing that he was dealing with an undercover agent in Barangay San Roque, Gapan City at dawn yesterday.

Police said they recovered from the suspect a handgun, two plastic sachets containing shabu and P500 marked money.

On Sunday, Benjamin dela Merced and Noelito Balmeyo were killed in the towns of Rizal and Gabaldon, respectively.

The suspects reportedly opened fire at the undercover agents, triggering the encounters that led to their death.

Probers said they recovered handguns, several plastic sachets containing shabu and marked money from each of the suspects.