MANILA, Philippines — Four suspects, two of them alleged drug pushers, were killed in police operations in Bulacan and Maguindano in the past two days.
Senior Superintendent Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, identified the fatalities as Lamberto de Guzman and Apple dela Rosa.
Bersaluna said the suspects drew their guns when they sensed they had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangays Longos in Pulilan and Balagtas, respectively.
Police said 12 sachets of shabu, two .38-caliber revolvers, two cell phones and marked money were recovered from the fatalities.
Superintendent Laurente Acquiot, Plaridel police chief, said Renato Sy was killed in pursuit operations after wounding Senior Police Officer 3 Dennis Salamat in shootout in Barangay Tabang.
A .40-caliber pistol was reportedly recovered from Sy.
Six sachets of shabu, a hand grenade and a .38-caliber revolver were reportedly recovered from Sy’s suspected cohort Jerico Tanghal, who was arrested.
Sy and Tanghal were accused of stealing the motorcycle driven by a certain Annabelle Bernas.
Police said Tenti Taup Mangarin, Sultan Kudarat’s most wanted person, was killed in a shootout with police officers at his hideout in Barangay Meti, Datu Blah Sinsuat in Maguindanao.
Mangarin, who was facing charges for multiple murder, arson, vehicle theft, extortion and illegal drugs, reportedly fired at law enforcers serving a warrant of arrest.
The suspect was tagged in the burning of heavy equipment owned by Jargon Construction Co., which is involved in government projects in Lebak and Kalamansig towns.
Police said M16 rifles were recovered at the scene.
MILF member arrested
In Zamboanga City, Rajiv Abubakar, 34, was arrested in a drug sting in Barangay Mampang yesterday.
Police said nine sachets of shabu and marked money were recovered from the suspect.
Abubakar claimed he is a member of the 113rd command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) based in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Authorities were verifying the suspect’s involvement with the MILF. – John Unson, Roel Pareño