4 slain in Negros drug bust

Four alleged members of a drug ring were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Manapla, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Chief Inspector Joem Malong, Western Visayas police spokesman, said Alson Aguirre and his three alleged cohorts, who have yet to be identified, drew their guns when they sensed they had transacted with anti-narcotics agents in a sting in Barangay Sta. Teresa at around 7:30 a.m.

Malong said Aguirre was the leader of a drug gang operating in Negros Occidental.

An undetermined quantity of shabu, an M16 rifle, a KG9 pistol and a caliber .45 were reportedly recovered from the fatalities.

Stephen Emnace, who was on the drug watchlist in Sagay City, was shot dead by an unidentified motorcycle-riding man in front of his house in Barangay Rizal.

Chief Inspector Antonio Benitez, city police officer-incharge, said the killing could be due to rivalry among drug suspects. He said the victim could have been suspected of having a hand in the arrest of a member of a rival drug ring.

In Benguet, police said Joebert Neri, a notorious pickpocket in Baguio City, was found dead along the road in Barangay Tadinagan, Tuba on Sunday.

Probers said Neri suffered two gunshot wounds in the head. His body also showed signs of torture.

Neri’s wife Girlie said her husband was last seen with another former inmate.