2 cops killed in Pampanga anti-drug ops

MANILA, Philippines — Two policemen were killed in an anti-narcotics operation in Mabalacat, Pampanga yesterday.

Senior M/Sgt. Sofronio Capitle Jr. and S/Sgt. Dominador Gacusan Jr. died at the scene, Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Cezar Pasiwen said.

The policemen had just conducted a drug sting when five men on two motorcycles arrived and shot them along South Daang Bakal Road in Barangay Dau at around 3:30 a.m.

Witnesses said the policemen fell to the ground in the initial volley of gunfire. The gunmen then alighted from their motorcycles and finished off the lawmen by shooting them in the head.

Pasiwen ordered a manhunt for the assailants.

Pampanga police chief Col. Levi Hope Basilio was ordered to speed up the investigation into the incident.

“No stone will be left unturned and authorities are exerting all efforts to ensure swift justice for the slain police officers,” Pasiwen said.

Meanwhile, in Bulacan, three kilos of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value of P360,000 were seized in Malolos on Friday.

Jeros Martinez, Alberto Carpio, Czene Joseph Faustino and Gillian Bedania were arrested in a sting in Barangay San Agustin, according to reports reaching the office of Bulacan police director Col. Relly Arnedo.

Police said five other drug suspects were arrested in Angat, Paombong, San Ildefonso, Sta. Maria and San Jose del Monte City.

The suspects reportedly yielded 28 sachets of shabu, drug paraphernalia and marked money.

In Cebu City, Slotty Avila, 34, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, was arrested yesterday for possession of shabu with an estimated value of P3.4 million.

Avila was collared by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency at his house along Sunset Drive in Barangay Lahug, PDEA Central Visayas head Levi Ortiz said.

He said the suspect uses the packaging of online shopping companies and courier services to conceal the illegal drugs.

PDEA operatives said money transfer receipts were also recovered from Avila. – Ramon Efren Lazaro