2 drug suspects slain

MANILA, Philippines - Two suspected drug pushers were killed in separate operations in Metro Manila over the weekend.

In Caloocan City, Ryan Bertillo, an alleged pusher who had gone bigtime, died after he allegedly engaged police in a shootout in Barangay 188 in Tala before noon on Saturday.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna said anti-narcotics operatives conducted a sting against Bertillo after receiving information that he was allegedly pushing drugs.

Bersaluna said Bertillo was on the drug watchlist of the Caloocan police.

Bersaluna said a police officer who posed as a buyer managed to buy shabu from Bertillo.

When Bertillo sensed that he was dealing with police, the suspect opened fire, prompting lawmen to return fire.

Bertillo died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Probers said they recovered a .38-caliber revolver, five sachets of shabu and the marked money from Bertillo.

In Manila, a suspected drug pusher was killed in an anti-drug operation on Saturday night.

Police Officer 3 Rodel Benitez of the Manila Police District (MPD) homicide unit identified the fatality as Emmanuel Tarroza, of Algeciras street in Sampaloc.

Benitez said members of the MPD Station 4 conducted an operation at past 11 p.m. after receiving reports about rampant drug dealings in the area.

Police were about to approach Tarroza’s house when he opened fire, prompting policemen to retaliate.

Tarroza allegedly yielded four sachets of shabu and a .38-caliber revolver.

Meanwhile, a warehouse helper was gunned down while drinking with his friends along Cabrera street in Bagong Barrio,  Caloocan yesterday.

Alfonso Jeron Guisama, 21, was rushed to the MCU Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, Jay-jay Fielegan, who allegedly had an axe to grind against the victim.