2 drug suspects slain, 18 nabbed in MM

At least two persons with alleged links to the illegal drug trade were killed and 18 others arrested in Metro Manila over the past two days.

A man identified only as Jerome Bala was shot dead while trying to escape from police officers during a raid on a drug den, located along an alley near Libis Espina street in Barangay 14, Caloocan City on Friday night.

Police recovered three 9mm slugs from the crime scene and a .38 caliber revolver, three sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia from the suspect.

In Pasig City, Joseph Neil, 42, was shot dead by unidentified assailants as he was sitting outside a shop in Barangay Rosario at around 5:25 p.m. on Friday.

Witnesses said around eight assailants drew short firearms and repeatedly shot Neil.

Police said they are investigating if Neil’s murder is related to his involvement in illegal drugs. Guns, drugs

In Quezon City, Juddel Deloviar, 38, was arrested at his home in Barangay Holy Spirit just before 11 a.m. Friday based on a search warrant.

The operation stemmed from a tip that Deloviar was keeping several unlicensed firearms in his house. There were also reports he would become rowdy when drunk.

A 9mm pistol, an improvised shotgun, three M203 grenades and at least seven bullets were seized at Deloviar’s house.

Police officers said Deloviar threw drug paraphernalia out of a window during the raid. The items were later recovered.

Suspected dealers Ryan Gabuat, 23; Vincent Andrew Velasquez, 36; and Rommel Corines, 19, were arrested in a sting in Barangay Ramon Magsaysay yesterday.

Joshua Calong, 20; Jeth dela Cruz, 19; and Michael Manzon, 27, were caught allegedly using shabu in a shanty in Barangay Bahay Toro at around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Two sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia were seized from them.

Edgar Quitorio, 46, was captured in a sting in Barangay Sangandaan at around 5:30 p.m. Friday. Two sachets of shabu and P100 marked money were confiscated from him.

In Manila, police officers recovered a sachet of marijuana from Christ John Esquebel, 21, following his arrest for breach of peace as he kept shouting invectives and throwing bottles near the intersection of Rizal and Recto Avenues at around 11 p.m.

Edgardo Buco, 57; Mark Salazar, 37; Vener Baluyot, 42; Jovy Daquel, 43; and Rodolfo Castro, 52, were arrested for allegedly carrying shabu in various parts of Manila.

Alleged dealers Ruby Lagasca, Consol Rocco Bueno and Reyna Lagasca were arrested in a drug sting in Barangay Batis, San Juan on Friday.

Marjorie Danipog was caught in another sting in Barangay Barangka, Marikina City on Friday.