WAR ON DRUGS

MANILA: Two suspected narcotics dealers were arrested following a drug sting operation in Tondo Saturday night. Police identified the arrested drug suspects as Arnold Romulo, 40, and a certain Dexter Sevellano, all residents of Balut, Tondo. Investigation showed that the suspects carried out a drug transaction with an undercover policeman from Raxabago-Tondo police station around 10 p.m. along Moderna Street, Balut, Tondo. The police decoy then managed to buy four sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱2,000. As soon as the deal was closed, the policemen made the arrest and eventually sent the suspects to the police station. (Analou De Vera)

NAVOTAS: A suspected drug peddler who was in deep slumber was gunned down inside his house early yesterday morning. Sr. Supt. Dante Novicio, Navotas Police chief, identified the victim as Rolando Caballero, of Barangay North Bay Boulevard South, Navotas. Investigation showed Caballero was attacked inside his house in Barangay North Bay Boulevard South, Navotas at about 2:15 a.m. Witnesses said that two gunmen forcibly barged into the house of Caballero. After a few minutes, neighbors of Caballero heard gunshots. The gunmen, who were wearing face masks, immediately fled on foot. Seized from the crime scene were three spent shells of a caliber .45 pistol. Scene on the Crime Operatives (SOCO) said the victim was shot several times in the chest, causing his instantaneous death. (Jel Santos)

CALOOCAN: A drug suspect who allegedly robbed a young woman was shot dead by policemen after he reportedly resisted arrest in North Tala on Saturday night. Sr. Supt. Chito G. Bersaluna, Caloocan Police chief, only identified the suspect as alias “Tisoy.” Meanwhile, the victim was Analyn Galvan, 22, of Barangay 188, North Tala, Caloocan. According to the Galvan, she was walking along Sta. Rita St. in Barangay 188, Caloocan, when “Tisoy” pointed a gun at her around 6:45 p.m. Reports said the suspect told Galvan to give her bag. The victim tried to fight back, but “Tisoy” pulled her bag. The suspect, the victim said, even took her gold necklace. Galvan immediately told patrolling policemen about what happened. The patrolling cops went after “Tisoy” who was escaping on foot. The suspect then noticed the cop behind him. He then pulled out his gun and fired at them, but missed. The cops retaliated, causing his instantaneous death. Residents said that “Tisoy” is a known drug pusher and robber in North Tala. (Jel Santos)

MAGUINDANAO: The MASA-MASID program, a focal initiative of the Duterte administration against illegal drugs and corruption, is now officially activated in this province, giving local authorities clear-cut protocols in dealing with suspects in stages ranging from surveillance, persuasion or arrest up to reformation level. The Mamamayang Ayaw sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Ilegal na Droga (MASA MASID) program kicked off formally at a workshop here recently with all of Maguindanao’s 36 towns cooperating. Officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), a lead implementing agency, described the trend as “unprecedented,” noting that even opposition mayors either attended personally or sent in complete teams of players representing all state-prescribed sectors. Some 300 delegates including town mayors, police chiefs, barangay league chairpersons, civic groups, faith-based organizations, and municipal DILG heads pledged utmost cooperation in solemn rite before Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu as chair of the provincial anti-drug abuse council. Provincial DILG officials reported in a power-point presentation a total of 12,775 drug users in Maguindanao surrendered since start last year of Oplan “Tokhang” or “Double Barrel.”