1 Slain, 11 Drug Suspects Nabbed in Bulacan

CAMP GEN ALEJO S SANTOS, Bulacan — A suspected drug peddler was killed while 11 other suspects were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations conducted by Bulacan police on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning.

Senior Supt. Chito G. Bersaluna, Bulacan Police Provincial Director, identified the fatality only as alias “Ronel”.

Bersaluna said based on the report of Supt. Fitz Macariola, San Jose del Monte City chief of police, an armed encounter ensued between drug operatives and the suspect during a buy-bust operation conducted in Old Nawasa, Barangay Sto. Cristo in the city before dawn Wednesday.

“The suspect sensed that he was dealing with an undercover agent. At that point, he drew his gun and fired towards the operatives that prompted them to retaliate which resulted in his death. His three other cohorts managed to elude arrest,” he said.

Recovered from the crime scene were one caliber .45 pistol, three transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.

Bersaluna said the 11 other drug suspects were arrested in various anti-illegal drug operations conducted by operatives in the City of Meycauayan, Bocaue, Paombong, Calumpit, Hagonoy, Marilao, Balagtas and Santa Maria.

He identified the arrested suspects as Cerilo Benito, Allan Mendoza, Uchi Yoshino, Marcelino Salamat, Eugene Hidalgo, Ruby Buensuceso, Christian Silvestre, Sherwin Paderes, Ruel Gamao, Romel Efecticio, and Edgardo Allera Jr.

Confiscated from them were a total of 21 plastic sachets of suspected shabu, three plastic sachets of suspected dried marijuana leaves with an estimated weight of 3.0815 grams, buy-bust money, and drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to the Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for examination while appropriate criminal complaints against the suspects were readied for filing in court. (PNA)