5 dead in drug war

Five suspects were killed in anti-drug operations in Calabarzon and Bulacan on Tuesday.

Victor Mercado, alias Vic, and an alias Balong reportedly engaged anti-narcotics agents in a shootout in Barangay Buna, Indang, Cavite and San Jose, Antipolo, Rizal, respectively.

Police said an alias Nonoy drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu to a police officer who posed as a buyer in Barangay Santissima, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Superintendent Armie Agbuya, Sta. Cruz police chief, said the fatality was a known drug pusher in Laguna.

Bryan Alegre, an alleged member of a gang involved in illegal drugs and contract killings, was shot dead after he reportedly fired at police officers in a drug bust in Barangay Canlalay, Biñan.

In Bulacan, a man known only by his alias of Noel allegedly shot it out with police officers in Barangay Gaya-Gaya, San Jose del Monte.

”High-value” drug suspects Jessi Hassim, alias Jan-Jan Usman, and Jomer Atang, alias Omeng, were arrested in Zamboanga City and Isabela, Basilan, respectively also on Tuesday.

Hassim, who is in Zamboanga peninsula’s drug watchlist, was collared in Barangay San Jose Gusu. Police said the suspect yielded half a kilo of shabu with an estimated street value of P3.5 million.

At least 15 grams of shabu valued at P102,000 were reportedly recovered from Atang, the alleged leader of a drug ring operating in Isabela City.

Undaspot drug test

In Northern Mindanao and Caraga, anti-narcotics and transport officials conducted drug tests for bus drivers and inspected terminals, seaports and airports as part of Oplan Undaspot.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency said the operation aims to protect passengers and ensure that no one takes advantage of the holidays to transport illegal drugs. K9 units were deployed to check the luggage of passengers.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said bus operators who will not allow their drivers to undergo drug test face sanctions.