Drug war: 13 killed in Bulacan

MALOLOS, Philippines — Thirteen drug suspects were killed and 46 others were arrested in simultaneous anti-drug operations in this province yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., Bulacan police director, said the slain suspects, who have yet to be identified, shot it out with police operatives in Bocaue, Pandi, Sta. Maria, Malolos, Plaridel, Pulilan, San Jose del Monte, Baliwag and San Rafael.

Caramat said 216 sachets of shabu weighing 72.04 grams as well as 26 sachets and a brick of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value of P448,439, several improvised guns, 12 caliber .38 revolvers,  a .45-caliber pistol and a 9 mm were recovered from the suspects.

Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said the fatalities resisted arrest.

“It is a clear indication that members of drug rings are fierce and ready to put up a fight against law enforcers,” Bulalacao said.

“Let this serve as a reminder to PNP operatives to be careful... in their operations to preclude becoming casualties during anti-drug operations,” he added.

New PNP chief Director Oscar Albayalde vowed to continue the government’s war on drugs, particularly Oplan Double Barrel.

Actor Julio Diaz nabbed

Actor Julio Diaz, Mariano de Leon in real life, and his driver Ronal Gomez, alias Robin, were among those arrested.

They were caught after selling a sachet of shabu  in Barangay Langka, Meycauayan at around 12:40 a.m.

Caramat said five sachets of  shabu valued at P60,000, drug paraphernalia and P500 in marked money were recovered from the suspects.

In an interview over dzMM, Diaz admitted that he has been hooked on drugs and asked the public for forgiveness.

Antonio de la Cruz, who claims to be a military colonel; his son Antonio Jr., Jeric Lascano, Gilbert Bondoc and Ralph Paule were arrested in a raid on a house in Hagonoy.

They reportedly yielded 11 sachets of shabu worth P400,000 and 13 guns.

National Bureau of Investigation Director Dante Gierran said De la Cruz served 10 years in prison for frustrated homicide.

De la Cruz reportedly manages a three-hectare fishpond, which he used as cover for drug pushing.

Five other suspected drug dealers were arrested in Dasmariñas, Bacoor, Tanza and General Trias in Cavite; seven in Cainta, Rizal; six in San Pedro, San Pablo, Lumban and Calamba in Laguna, and one in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.  – With Non Alquitran, Rey Galupo, Ed Amoroso