Laguna ‘high value’ target, 2 others killed in shootout

SAN PEDRO CITY – An alleged ‘big time’ illegal drug distributor and gun-for-hire leader was slain in a police operation in San Pablo City in Laguna province early Saturday.

Laguna police chief Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta said the slain suspect Christopher Alain Alvero ranked eighth in the police watchlist for “high-value targets” in the illegal drugs and whose group was allegedly involved in a series of contract killings in the city.

Matta said the police were supposed to search the suspects’ residence at the Alvero compound in Barangay (village) San Ignacio around 7 a.m. Saturday when the shootout happened.

The police were armed with several warrants for illegal drugs and firearms issued by judge Agripino Morga of the regional trial court branch 32 in San Pablo City.

According to Matta, the suspects opened fire prompting the authorities to shoot back.

Aside from Alvero, also slain were two unidentified companions.

The police, meanwhile, arrested Joy Alvero, Enrico Suasi, Anthony Castillo, and Abby Gomez.

The police said they recovered at least five pistols, a sniper rifle, a hand grenade, and several ammunitions.