Alleged drug pusher slain in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines -  A suspected drug pusher was killed after he allegedly engaged police in a shootout in Caloocan City on Saturday night.

Erick Casallo, 32, died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Members of the Police Community Precinct 6 led by Senior Inspector Aaron Melgar were patrolling Barangay 168 in Deparo when they chanced upon Casallo at around 10:50 p.m.

Casallo fled, prompting policemen to pursue him.

Instead of yielding, the suspect allegedly pulled out a .38-caliber revolver and opened fire, prompting Police Officer 1 Sunder Aying to return fire.

Probers said they recovered three sachets of shabu from Casallo.

Authorities described Casallo as a drug pusher who had gone big time.

In Manila, six alleged drug users were arrested during a raid on a house along Narra street in Tondo.

Superintendent Alex Daniel, commander of the Manila Police District Station 7, identified the suspects as Rey Cabunsol, 34; Deryl Nocum, 39; Michael Barreto, 43; Raymund Cajucom, 39; Luis Yana, 45, and Josephine De Guzman, 48.

 Anti-narcotics officers said they conducted an operation after receiving information that the suspects were allegedly engaged in a pot session at past 11 p.m.

Police said they recovered three sachets of shabu worth P1,200 and drug paraphernalia during the raid.

The suspects are being held by police on charges of violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.