2 slain; P120 million drugs seized in stings

MANILA, Philippines — Two alleged drug suspects were killed and 13 others were arrested, including three minors, during separate anti-narcotics operations in Metro Manila that yielded over P120 million worth of drugs on Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Jordan Abrigo and Jayvee de Guzman were shot dead by anti-drug operatives during a sting in Katarungan Village, Muntinlupa City.

Abrigo and De Guzman, said to be known drug dealers in Metro Manila and Western Visayas, allegedly fought back during the operation.

“They are members of the Divinagracia drug group, which is led by Michael Divinagracia and a Chinese, known only as Jhonson, who is serving time at New Bilibid Prison,” the Drug Enforcement Group said.  “The drug ring also operates in the Visayas and Mindanao using delivery trucking through RORO at the Batangas Port.”

Police said they recovered from the suspects three packs of Chinese tea bags containing about 10 kilos of shabu worth at least P68 million, a Nissan Cefiro and two .45-caliber handguns.

In Mandaluyong, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) apprehended three teenagers during a sting at a gasoline station along Sierra Madre street in Barangay Highway Hills.

Seized during the operation were six kilos of shabu valued at P40.8 million, a Nissan Sentra and a smartphone.

In Quezon City, PDEA agents said they arrested 10 drug suspects in Barangay Tandang Sora.

They were Eugene Bernardo, 30; Mannie Bacalangco, 47; Arvin Correa, 28; Mark Ramirez, 33; Justine Venancio, 20; Alexander Almda, 19; Franselle Nono, 35; April Batac, 36, Stephanie Centino, 44, and Carina Trinidad, 37.

The suspects alllegedly yielded around 2.1 kilos of shabu and five Ecstasy tablets with an estimated street value of P14.3 million.

The PDEA said the three minors sourced their drugs from the suspects.

The minors will be turned over to social workers after questioning. The other suspects are being held by police on drug charges.