Quezon ambush victims’ car yields P90-M shabu

LUCENA CITY, Philippines  – Two suspected female drug couriers and their driver were killed in an ambush in Tagkawayan, Quezon last Monday and their car yielded high-grade shabu estimated to be worth P90 million, police said.

One of the four ambushers was arrested after a police chase that same day.

Police said the victims – Jamela Custodio, Jasmin Pablo and their driver, Melvin Marquez – were en route to Bicol onboard a Nissan Cefiro when they were waylaid along the Quirino Highway in Barangay Sta. Monica, Tagcawayan town.

Custodio and Marquez died on the spot, while Pablo died in a hospital.

Police promptly conducted a pursuit operation for the four ambushers who were riding on two motorcycles.

The four men passed by a checkpoint manned by elements of the Highway Patrol Group and opened fire, hitting PO1 Michael Cabato in the left arm.

A chase ensued, but three of the ambushers transferred to a Toyota Corolla driven by a cohort. The fourth one, identified as Rafael Moreno, 30, boarded a passing tricycle and was subsequently arrested. He yielded a .45-caliber pistol.

In the victims’ car, police found some 10 kilos of high-grade shabu worth P90 million. The shabu was placed in large plastic bags kept in five boxes wrapped as gifts.