2 Caloocan drug suspects slain

Two drug suspects were shot and killed inside their residence by three armed men who allegedly identified themselves as police officers in Caloocan City Thursday night.

Sr. Supt. Chito G. Bersaluna, Caloocan City police chief, identified the victims as Anacleto Dela Cruz, a tricycle driver, and Licel Chua. They are live-in partners. Investigation showed that at about 10:30 p.m., three armed men went to the house of Dela Cruz and Chua in Barangay 176, Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.

A neighbor, who requested anonymity, said the men who were wearing jackets and caps accosted the couple and identified themselves as police officers.

The gunmen were later seen dragging the couple inside the house with guns drawn.

Moments later, gunshots emenating from the victims’ house were heard.

The suspects later fled aboard two motorcycles parked in the area.

Responding police officers found Chua and Dela Cruz dead on the floor.

Bersaluna said he was told by a barangay official that Dela Cruz and Chua were involved in the illegal drugs trade and hid for about three months after President Duterte launched the war on drugs.

“According to a barangay official, the victims are involved in illegal drugs. They even reportedly sold a land and went to a province after President Duterte launched the war on drugs,” Bersaluna told the Manila Bulletin.

The police chief said a botched drug deal may be the motive behind the attack.

He added tha drug dealers are now using the name of the police to ruin reputation of the police organization. (Jel Santos)