Drug suspect slain in Caloocan shootout

MANILA, Philippines - A suspected drug trafficker was killed and his companion arrested after they allegedly shot it out with police officers at a checkpoint in Caloocan City yesterday.

According to city police chief Senior Superintendent Jude Santos, PO3 Abner Placiente and PO2 Sandy Galino were manning a checkpoint along LD Road in Barangay 188 when they tried to flag down Eugene Gubangco, 35, and Rochelle Galang, 30, who were on a motorcycle.

He said the couple ignored the checkpoint and sped away, but police officers cornered them. Gubangco drew a .38 caliber revolver and shot at the lawmen. Placiente retaliated, killing Gubangco.

Policemen arrested Galang and seized a sachet of shabu found on her person.