Drug suspect slain in ‘shootout’

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — A drug suspect was killed during a sting in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija on Saturday night.

Noel Esguerara, 55, of Navotas City, died at the scene of the incident that occurred in Barangay Sto. Cristo Norte.

Esguerra reportedly drew his gun after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents, according to Col. Pedro Soliba, deputy director for operations of the Central Luzon police.

Police said they recovered a handgun, 11 plastic sachets containing shabu, marked money and drug paraphernalia from the suspect.

Esguerra was on the drug list of the Nueva Ecija police, Soliba said.