2 suspected drug pushers killed in Camarines Norte shootouts

LEGAZPI CITY — Two suspected drug pushers died in separate shootouts with police anti-narcotics operatives in the towns of Vinzons and Talisay in Camarines Norte province on Sunday night and early morning Monday, police said.

In Vinzons, Ronnie Labarro, resident of Daet town and a suspected illegal drug peddler, was the subject of a buy-bust operation in Barangay (village) Poblacion at around 11:58 p.m., the report said.

Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the suspect resisted arrest, pulled out his .38 handgun and fired at the police operatives, prompting them to fire back. The suspect died while being taken to a hospital.

Recovered from Labarro’s possession were six plastic sachets containing suspected “shabu” (crystal meth), a .38 handgun with two live bullets and two spent shells, a cell phone, and a motorcycle.

Meanwhile, in Talisay’s Barangay Calintaan, Fernando Luzong Jr. 35, of Barangay Tugos, Paracale town, was killed in another shootout at 2:30 a.m. Monday.

His unknown companion, however, managed to escape.

The report said the suspect, sensing that he was dealing with police, drew his .38 pistol and fired at the cops, prompting them to retaliate.

The suspect died while being taken to a nearby hospital.

Three plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, a .38 caliber revolver, misfired bullets and three spent shells and a cellphone were found at the scene. /je