Drug war: 3 killed in Luzon

Three drug suspects were killed after they allegedly exchanged fire with authorities in separate incidents in Luzon in the past two days.

One of the fatalities, identified only as “Jeric,” was killed in a pursuit operation in Guiguinto, Bulacan before dawn yesterday.

Probers said Jeric and his unidentified companion reportedly tried to escape in a motorcycle after sensing that they were dealing with undercover agents in Barangay Sta. Cruz at around 1:30 a.m.

The suspects reportedly shot at the pursuing officers, triggering a shootout that resulted in Jeric’s death, according to Bulacan police acting director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat.

Jeric’s companion was able to escape.

Probers said they seized from Jeric a .38 caliber pistol, 16 plastic sachets said to contain shabu and dried marijuana leaves, and drug paraphernalia.

In Isabela, Jaypee dela Cruz allegedly pulled out a pistol after sensing that he was dealing with undercover agents in Ilagan City on Saturday night.

Dela Cruz reportedly surrendered to authorities who conducted Oplan Tokhang in his hometown Tuguegarao in Cagayan last year, according to Ilagan City police chief Superintendent Ariel Quilang.

Probers said they recovered from the slain suspect two plastic sachets said to contain shabu.

Also on Saturday, Jayson Mallari of Caloocan City was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.

Aside from drugs, Mallari had pending cases for carnapping and robbery, according to Chief Inspector Jennifer Flores, chief of the Bagabag police.

Investigators said they recovered from Mallari a .38 caliber pistol and a plastic sachet said to contain shabu.

Meanwhile, authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing of a village councilman who was shot dead in front of his son in Gonzaga, Cagayan on Saturday night.

Efren Sola, 43, and his son were watching television at their home in Barangay Caroan when the assailant barged in and shot him several times. He died while being taken to a hospital.

The assailant, who did not harm Sola’s son, escape on a motorcycle driven by another man.

The motorcycle reportedly figured in an accident in the nearby Sta. Teresita town.

The driver abandoned the assailant, who was arrested by pursuing police officers.

Sola was not in the drug list, according to Chief Inspector Edgar Manuel, chief of Gonzaga police.