12 more killed in drug war

Twelve more drug suspects were killed in anti-drug operations across the country last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

The figure brought to 65 the total number of fatalities since the PNP resumed the anti-drug campaign in December.

Police said the number of fatalities came from legitimate armed encounters that occurred from Feb. 7 to 14.

Central Luzon posted the highest number of fatalities with five, followed by Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) with three and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) with two.

Eastern Visayas and Metro Manila posted one drugrelated death each during the period.

As this developed, a drug suspect was killed while a police officer was wounded in an alleged encounter in Bacoor, Cavite, yesterday morning.

Jay-jay Mercado died at the scene after he allegedly exchanged fire with police officers out to serve a warrant for his arrest in Barangay Talaba 2.

Police Officer 1 Ashley Vergel was brought to Saint Dominic Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound in the left arm.

Mercado was on the drug list of the local police, according to Superintendent Chitadel Gaoiran, spokesperson for the Calabarzon police.

She said Mercado was also involved in illegal firearms activities.

Since President Duterte allowed the PNP to rejoin the anti-drug campaign, 65 suspected drug pushers and users have been killed in 4,613 operations nationwide.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said 4,021 drug suspects have been killed in law enforcement operations since July 1, 2016.

PNP directorate for operations director Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said 7,103 drug suspects have been arrested since December.

Meanwhile, no one has died from the conduct of Oplan Tokhang since the program resumed on Jan. 29.

At least 2,100 drug suspects surrendered in 4,339 Tokhang operations.

Northern Mindanao posted the highest number of surrenderees with 730, followed by Metro Manila with 430.

Unlike other anti-drug operations, Tokhang is conducted during daytime, from Monday to Friday.