2 alleged drug den operators slain

Two suspected drug den operators were killed in what police said was a shootout following a sting in Binondo, Manila yesterday.

Police identified the fatalities as Jessie Castro and Ronnel Calahatian.

Castro was declared dead on arrival at the Mother and Child Hospital. Calahatian died while being revived by attending physicians.

Senior Inspector Edward Samonte, intelligence unit chief of the Manila Police District Station 11, said Castro and Calahatian were alleged maintainers of a drug den along Sevilla street.

Samonte said they conducted an anti- drug operation against the suspects following information that they were involved in illegal drug deals.

The suspects allegedly fired at police officers, prompting them to return fire.

Police said they recovered two loaded .38-caliber revolvers, P3,000 worth of shabu and drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

In Caloocan City, another drug suspect was killed and eight others were arrested during the implementation of Oplan Galugad on Sunday afternoon.

Danilo Hernan, 36, was shot dead by anti-drug operatives after he allegedly fired at them following a brief chase.

Hernan reportedly yielded a homemade shotgun and a sachet of shabu.

Police also apprehended suspected drug personalities. They were Jeffrey Garcia, 33; Raymart Picana, 34; Rodel Consomino, 23; Richard Brazil, 59; Isidro Castrodez, 27; Jason Ben, 30; Sheryl Solano, 36, and Celeste Grace Gutierrez, 36.

Police conducted the operation based on a complaint by a resident that sale of illegal drugs was rampant in the area.

Barangay watchman Bayani dela Peña said Hernan was visited twice by police under Oplan Tokhang before he was killed. –