Drug war: 4 killed in Luzon

MANILA, Philippines – Four drug suspects were killed as the war against illegal drugs continued in Albay, Batangas and Bulacan on Saturday.

Two of the fatalities were identified as Celso Alvido and Jerry Guardiano, both of Bulacan.

Alvido, who is on the police drug watchlist, allegedly pulled out a gun after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents during a sting in Barangay Santor, Malolos City.

Probers recovered from the suspect an improvised gun, a plastic sachet said to contain shabu and marked money, said Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat.

 Guardiano was walking in Barangay Yakal, San Jose del Monte City when motorcycle-riding men shot him, killing him instantly.

One of the assailants left a placard with the words, “Wag tularan, salot ng lipunan, tulak ng droga (Don’t emulate, drug pusher)” near the victim’s body.

Probers recovered three bullet shells for a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.

In Batangas, a certain Arnel Banual, who was not included in the barangay drug list, was killed in an attack in Batangas City.

Police recovered two plastic sachets said to contain shabu from Banual, according to Batangas police director Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Cabanag.

Meanwhile, in Albay, police shot dead a certain Mark Anthony, alias Hapon, during a sting in Tabaco City.

The suspect allegedly tried to resist arrest and escape after he sold two plastic sachets of shabu to undercover agents.

He allegedly pulled out a .38 caliber revolver when he was cornered by pursuing officers.

On the same day, police arrested alleged drug trafficker Benedict Satuito in a sting in nearby Oas town.

In Naga City, police arrested Edilberto Sta. Ana and Winston Padilla after they allegedly sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Peñafrancia.