4 slain in Bulacan, Laguna drug war

MANILA, Philippines — Four drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with police officers in Bulacan and Laguna on Saturday.

The fatalities were identified as Julius Ace Lavarro, Alfie Garcia, Harold Sunpongco and Renan Mojado.

Lavarro reportedly opened fire at the officers who were about to arrest him following a sting in Barangay Bambang, Bulakan at around 11:55 p.m., according to Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director.

Bersaluna said the police officers retaliated, killing Lavarro at the scene.

Probers recovered from the suspect 18 plastic sachets containing shabu and marijuana, and a pistol.

An hour earlier, Garcia was killed in an encounter in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael town.

Bersaluna said Garcia pulled out a gun and shot at the officers after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents.

Police said they recovered a .38 caliber revolver and six plastic sachets containing shabu from Garcia.

Sunpongco was killed in another encounter in Barangay Poblacion, Norzagaray.

Probers said a .38 caliber revolver and four plastic sachets containing shabu were found from the suspect.

Meanwhile, in Laguna, police shot dead Mojado in an alleged encounter that occurred at around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay San Agustin, Alaminos town.

Mojado was a major drug supplier in the town, according to Col. Eleazar Matta, Laguna police director.

Probers seized from the suspect 40 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P150,000 and a gun. – Ed Amoroso