Alleged leader of Negros Occidental drug ring gunned down

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The alleged leader of a drug group operating in northern Negros Occidental was gunned down by still unidentified men in San Carlos City, on Thursday afternoon.

Ben Manguntawar, said to be leader of the Manguntawar Drug Group, was standing in front of his house in Barangay 5, San Carlos about 5 p.m. when he was shot by one of two men on board a motorcycle.

Chief Supt. John Bulalacao, police director for Western Visayas, said the victim was involved in the distribution of illegal drugs in San Carlos City and nearby towns in the 1st district of Negros Occidental.

Police said Manguntawar was classified as level 3 High Value Target in the police list of suspected drug traffickers. /muf