Trader, 4 others on drug watchlist slain

MANILA, Philippines — A businessman on the drug watchlist in Sagay City, Negros Occidental was gunned down by an unidentified motorcycle rider in Barangay Paraiso on Thursday.

Maj. Antonio Benitez, Sagay City police officer-in-charge, said Christian Añalucas, 36, was overseeing the construction of his commercial establishment when the gunman arrived and opened fire.

Añalucas was declared dead on arrival at the Lopez District Foundation Hospital.

In Batangas City, Councilman Nestor Clerigo of Barangay Mahabang Parang was driving his motorcycle  when he was shot in Barangay Sorosoro Karsada. He died at the scene.

Police said the fatality was a “high-value” target.

Three other drug suspects, also on the drug watchlist in their areas, were killed in stings in Laguna, Quezon and Bulacan in the past two days.

Col. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, said a certain Joel Lotombo was killed in a shootout with anti-narcotics agents in Barangay Malibong Matanda in Pandi town yesterday.

 Nine other suspects were apprehended in drug busts in Marilao, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Bustos and San Rafael.

Police said Rolando Castillo shot it out with police officers in Barangay San Pedro, San Pablo, Laguna.   

A certain Angelito Tabirdan, alias Ange, was killed in a sting in Ibabang Talim, Lucena City, Quezon.

In Sultan Kudarat, police said shabu with an estimated street value of P1.2 million were recovered from Noraida Sabang, Namraida Sengkong Mama, Aisa Nasser Baldido, Abdul Zainudin and Anwar Kasim, who were arrested at a checkpoint in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan. – Ramon Efren Lazaro, John Unson, Non Alquitran, Ed Amoroso