Two ‘drug dealers’ slain in shootouts 20 nabbed

Freddie Velez

CAMP GENERAL ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – Two alleged drug peddlers were killed, while 20 other suspects were arrested, in relentless police operations conducted by the Philippine National Police in Bulacan since Jan. 9.

Based on the report submitted to Col. Emma M Libunao, acting Bulacan police director, the slain drug suspects were identified as Ace Monteno Gonzales, a resident of NHV, Barangay Bitungol, Norzagaray, Bulacan; and Richard Delara, alias “Tuklaw.”

Investigation disclosed that operatives of Norzagaray MPS conducted a buy-bust operation against Gonzales in Barangay Bitungol, Norzagaray Bulacan at about 11:30 p.m. last Jan. 8.

In the middle of the transaction, the suspect reportedly became suspicious that he was transacting with police officers so he drew his .38 caliber revolver and fired several shots at the operatives. This forced the lawmen to retaliate, causing the suspect’s death.

Recovered from the crime scene were five plastic sachets containing shabu, a caliber-.38 revolver the P500-buy-bust money, among others.

Meanwhile, a buy-bust operation targeting Delara was staged in Barangay Pandayan, Meycauayan City, Bulacan at about 1:50 a.m. on Jan 10.

According to the police, like Gonzales, Delara sensed that he was dealing with police operatives, prompting him to draw his revolver and fire at one of the undercover policemen.

The policeman was able to dodge the shots and, together with a back-up operative, fire back at the suspect, who was no match for the lawmen’s firepower.

Recovered from the crime scene were the suspect’s gun, some live and spent bullets, and four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing shabu.

Different anti-illegal drug operations were conducted by the operatives of Municipal/City Police Stations of Obando, Meycauayan, Angat, Santa Maria, San Jose Del Monte, Malolos and Meycauayan that resulted in the arrest of 16 drug suspects.

A total of 63 plastic sachets of shabu and buy-bust money were confiscated from the suspects during the operations.

Marilao, Malolos and Bocaue Police responded in different crime incidents that resulted in the arrest of four suspects identified as Kyle Emanuele Asistio Suarez, 23, from Brgy. Loma de Gato, Marilao, Bulacan for allegedly raping a 23 year-old girl; Lhegine Odyssey Herrera, 21, and Jean Andrea Joson, both cashiers at Malolos mall for qualified theft; and Juan Carlos Pomeda, 37, of Bocaue, Bulacan for qualified theft.

Appropriate criminal charges are being prepared for filing against the suspects.