1,297 drug suspects killed by policemen

NEARLY 1,300 drug users and pushers have been killed by police operatives since July, figures from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed.

The PNP’s National Operation Center said that from July 1 to September 29, 2016, 1,297 drug suspects were shot dead while 19, 907 were arrested.

From July 1 to Sept. 29, 725,791 surrendered -- 53,879 drug pushers and 671,912 drug users.

The PNP said 1,362,792 houses were visited under Project Tokhang where police personnel knock on the doors of suspected drug users and pushers, encouraging them to give up drugs.

At least 13 police personnel were killed and 36 others were wounded during police operations.

On Thursday, a suspected drug pusher was killed in a buy- bust in Pasig City.

Senior Supt. Orlando Yebra Jr., Pasig police chief, said Datu Samplidan and a companion fled when he saw the police operatives in front of Sorento Oasis in Barangay Rosario.

The two men were pursued but when they were almost cornered, Datu pulled out a gun and fired at the policemen who retaliated.

Datu died on the spot. His companion was able to escape.