More drug suspects slain in Central, North Luzon

MORE drug suspects have been killed in separate incidents in Luzon last week.

The seven fatalities were recorded in Bulacan with three; Pangasinan, two, and one in Isabela.

Two of the fatalities in Bulacan were identified as Alexander Almario, 44, and Reynaldo Zinampan, 39, whose bodies were found in Barangay Pandayan, Meycauayan, along with a third victim whose name was not immediately available.

In Pangasinan, Edgardo Marquez, 49, and Gerry Tabiolo Jr., 30, were shot dead by unidentified assailants in Binalonan and Sta. Barbara towns, respectively.

Authorities said the two were on the police watchlist.

In Isabela, storeowner Kukkrit Verzosa, 37, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men as he was having a drinking spree with his friends in Barangay Tallungan, Reina Mercedes town.

Authorities said Verzosa, who was on the drug watchlist, had refused to surrender when the police conducted Oplan Tokhang in the village.

In Pangasinan, Russel Camba, the second most wanted drug personality in Bani town, was killed in a sting at around 5 a.m. Aug. 14. 

Also that day, a man identified only as John-John was killed in an anti-drug operation in Antipolo City.

Village exec slain 

In La Union, a barangay councilor, who was on the drug watchlist of San Juan town, was gunned down at a tricycle terminal at around 11 a.m.  

Edward Olete, 45, was waiting for passengers when he was shot, said Superintendent Artemio Infante, La Union police information officer.

In Sultan Kudarat, Ugalingan Manuel Jr. died in a shootout with police who raided his hideout in Barangay Marquez in Esperanza town yesterday, said Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat police director.

“They were armed with assault rifles. The raiding team has no other option, but to return fire,” Supiter said.

He said Manuel, also known as Commander Boyet, was a leader of a drug ring that supplies shabu to Esperanza and Sulan towns. -- Ric Sapnu, Eva Visperas and Jun Elias