2 dead in Laguna buy-bust

SAN PEDRO CITY – Two suspected drug pushers were killed in a shootout in Calamba City in Laguna province on Thursday evening, the police said Friday.

Laguna police director Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta identified the suspects as Bernie Orsine and Ace delos Santos, both residents of Barangay (village) Uno in the city. They were in the police watchlist as illegal drug personalities.

Police also claimed both men were affiliated with the Fajardo Group, a robbery and criminal gang that operated in Calamba City and adjacent cities.

Matta said the buy-bust operation was carried out around 10:30 p.m. Thursday in the said village.

He said the suspects must have sensed they were dealing with the police when they suddenly drew out their guns and opened fire. The police shot back and killed both men.

The police recovered a sachet of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) and guns of calibers .9 mm and .38 from each suspect.