4 drug suspects shot dead

MANILA, Philippines - Four persons believed to be involved in illegal drugs were killed in separate incidents in Metro Manila in the past two days.

In Caloocan City, a suspected drug pusher identified only as Jay-Ar died after he allegedly engaged police in a shootout during a sting along Camiling street in Barangay 178, Camarin at around 4:30 a.m. yesterday.

Jay-Ar’s companion, known as alias Jun Langit, managed to escape.

Police said they recovered five sachets of shabu and a .38-caliber revolver from Jay-Ar.

Armando Sotto, 47, a construction worker, was killed by unidentified assailants in Bagong Silang, Caloocan at around 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Responding policemen rushed Sotto to the Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital where he was declared dead from multiple gunshots to the body.

Probers said they were looking into drugs as a possible motive for the killing.

In Mandaluyong City, a suspected drug peddler was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding assailants on Saturday.

Aries Domingo, alias Mamoy, 29, died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Domingo was on the drug watchlist of the Mandaluyong police, according to Police Officer 3 Leonardo Almerol.

Almerol said Domingo was standing along Star street in Barangay Poblacion when the assailants fired at him at past 4 p.m.

In Marikina, a drug suspect was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle on Saturday.

Rowena Lopez, alias Weng, died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Lopez was on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, director of the Eastern Police District, said.

Investigation showed that the assailants broke into the house of Lopez at 95 M. Cruz street in Barangay Sto. Niño and opened fire at around 10:50 p.m.

The assailants fled after the attack.

Meanwhile, a 52-year-old pedicab driver was shot dead in Tondo, Manila on Saturday night.

Basil Gelito, of Carlos P. Garcia street, died while being treated at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Ali Tostanilla.

Police Officer 3 Jeffrey Laus of the Manila Police District homicide unit said Gelito was buying at a store at the corner of Camachile and Carlos P. Garcia streets when Tostanilla arrived and shot him at close range.

Prior to this, neighbors of Gelito said the victim had an argument with the suspect’s wife.