4 drug suspects slain in shootout

MALOLOS, Philippines – Four suspected members of a drug syndicate were killed while 13 others were arrested following a firefight with anti-narcotics agents in Norzagaray, Bulacan before noon yesterday.

The slain suspects were reportedly members of the Eric Espinosa drug group operating in Norzagaray and nearby areas, including San Jose del Monte City, according to Bulacan police director Senior Superintendent Ferdinand Divina.

Reports said members of the Norzagaray police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted a sting in Barangay Bigte at around 11:30 a.m.

The suspects reportedly sensed the arrival of the officers and shot at them, triggering a firefight.

Divina identified two of the slain suspects as Ryan Gonzales, 34, and Kasanoding Titocalan, 28. No one among the officers was hurt.

Police recovered several firearms, bullets, shabu, marijuana and drug paraphernalia from the suspects. – Ramon Efren Lazaro, Cecille Suerte Felipe