2 most wanted drug suspects slain

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers killed the second most wanted drug trafficker in Central Mindanao and a suspected member of a drug ring in Batangas in alleged gunfights on Tuesday.

Taugan Usman Vicente, 38, a resident of Barangay Sadsalan in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, reportedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to undercover agents in Barangay Crossing Palkan in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

In Batangas, police said Frederick Marudo of the Fajardo drug ring fired at police officers who tried to arrest him during a sting in Tanauan City.

Marudo’s alleged cohorts Lyndon Marudo and Narciso Makalintal, residents of Barangay Calingatan, Mataas na Kahoy, were arrested.

“The suspects tried to escape in a gray Suzuki Celerio... but the car rammed a parked vehicle, triggering a shootout,” Lt. Col. Rey Ochavo, Sto. Tomas City police chief, said.

Ochavo said Marudo was a “high-value” drug suspect.

Sachets of shabu with an estimated value of P165,000 and guns were recovered from the fatalities, police said.