Two hitmen’ shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - Two alleged hitmen of suspected drug pushers were killed in separate incidents in Cebu City and in neighboring Talisay City yesterday.

Manuelito “Dongdong” Sensin of Tabanok, Talisay City died on the spot when he allegedly shoot it out with policemen who confronted him at the back of a commercial building in Tabunok around 4:30 p.m.

Talisay City Police Station Deputy Chief Emerson Dante said Sensin, who was allegedly a hitman of “drug lord” Franz Sabalones, suffered at least 10 gunshot wounds, including one to the heart.

An unidentified man who was with Sensin was also critically wounded during the incident but was rushed to a hospital.

Dante said Sensin and his companion allegedly resisted so they had to fire at them. It was, however, unclear as of press time how Sensin and his companion resisted authorities.

Dante said they recovered at the scene a gun, packs of suspected shabu, and cash.

Meanwhile,  by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 Spokesperson Leia Albiar said Dominggo Caballes of in Sitio Kamansi, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City was killed when he allegedly tried to shoot at them yesterday afternoon.

She tagged Caballes as an alleged hitman of a suspected drug pusher Maternidad Batulan, who was the subject of their operation.

Albiar said Caballes allegedly had a 45 pistol in his hand when PDEA-7 operatives arrived at the second floor of the house Batulan owned, prompting authorities to shoot him dead.

 Caballes was allegedly an employee of Batulan, whom the barangay reported to be involved in the illegal drug trade.

Batulan was placed under surveillance for a month before PDEA agents successfully transacted with her for the sale of an pack of suspected shabu.

A search made by authorities also yielded 46 packs of suspected shabu, which had a estimated value of  P59,000.

Albiar said Batulan’s alleged area of disposal is Barangay Mabolo. — Ermida Q. Moradas Amparo Leah Pagusara (FREEMAN)