‘ PUSHER’ SHOT DEAD, COHORT ESCAPES

A MEMBER of the Sputnik gang was shot dead while another escaped during a buy-bust in Pandacan, Manila at midnight on Tuesday. One of the suspects was described to be in his mid-30s, about five feet tall and of medium build while the other suspect was identified as Joel Caneda, alias “Douglas,” a known drug pusher in the area. A police poseur buyer made a deal for P2,000 shabu with Caneda, who in turn contacted the unidentified suspect who brought the shabu. The unknown suspect sensed that they were dealing with authorities and tried to run into an alley, prompting the policemen to give chase but were fired at by the suspect. A shootout ensued, resulting in the death of the unknown pusher. Caneda escaped. Four sachets of shabu were recovered from the slain suspect.

ZAMBOANGA CITY VICE MAYOR’S SON, 2 OTHERS NABBED WITH SHABU

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Police arrested three persons, including a son of Zamboanga City Vice Mayor Cesar Iturralde, for alleged possession of illegal drugs at a checkpoint in the village of Divisoria here on Tuesday. They said Oliver Iturralde, 18, and his companions riding a motorcycle were found with eight sachets of shabu hidden in their cell phones. His companions were not immediately identified.