4 drug suspects killed, 37 nabbed

MANILA, Philippines – Four persons believed to be involved in the illegal drug trade were killed and 37 others were arrested in separate operations in Metro Manila on Tuesday night.

In Quezon City, police killed three suspected drug pushers during successive stings in Barangays Bagbag, Sta. Monica and Old Balara.

Authorities identified the fatalities as Emmanuel Orario, alias Maning, 40; Robert Tolentino, alias Balong, 21, and Ronald Manuel, 42.

Orario was shot dead at his house along Alexander street after he allegedly engaged police in a shootout.

Prior to the shootout, a police officer reportedly managed to buy shabu from Orario and a certain Topher, who eluded arrest.

Orario was rushed to the Novaliches District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police said they recovered 12 sachets of shabu, a .45-caliber pistol and P500 in marked money from Orario.

Tolentino was killed after he allegedly opened fire at anti-narcotics officers during a drug deal along Geronimo street.

Tolentino died in the hospital from gunshots to the body.

Tolentino allegedly yielded eight sachets of shabu, a .38-caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia.

Manuel was shot dead by members of the Batasan police in a reported shootout outside his house along Tandang Sora Avenue.

Police conducted an operation against Manuel after receiving information that his house was allegedly being used as a drug den.

Manuel died before reaching the Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

Police said they recovered two sachets of shabu from Manuel.

Manuel’s partner, Eliza Cruz, and 18 other drug suspects, including four minors, were caught engaged in a pot session.

Police arrested 18 more drug personalities in separate operations in Barangays San Agustin, Tatalon and Sta. Monica.

In Mandaluyong City, suspected drug pusher Joseph Saltiban, 52, was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Barangay Daang Bakal.

Police Officer 3 Gregorio Acbay said Saltiban was on the drug watchlist.

 Saltiban was described as a known drug peddler in the barangay.