PNP: Drug war remains bloodless

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration continues to pursue a bloodless campaign against illegal drugs despite the death of three suspected shabu dealers in an alleged shootout with anti-narcotics officers in Quezon City on Tuesday, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano assured the public that police personnel “are strictly observing the rule of law in carrying out operations against drug rings and other criminal elements.”

But he said police officers are not barred from using force when their lives are in danger.

Four people in possession of 10 kilos of shabu worth P68 million were the targets of an anti-narcotics operation in Barangay Socorro on Tuesday.

A shootout ensued when the suspects attempted to dupe operatives of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, PDEG spokesman Lt. Marlon Sy said.

Sy said the suspects opened fire at an unmarked vehicle, wounding a police officer and a confidential informant who are now recuperating in a hospital.

Responding policemen killed three of the suspects, two of whom were identified as Jason and Milo.

The third fatality remains unidentified. Another suspect escaped.

Police said they have been tracking down the suspects since August.