3 dead in Cavite, Laguna shootouts

SAN PEDRO CITY — Three men were killed in separate police operations in Cavite and Laguna provinces.

In Sta. Cruz, Laguna, suspected drug pusher Manolito Cortez was killed in a buy-bust around 12:45 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Pagsawitan.

Laguna police chief Col. Eleazar Matta, in a text message, said Cortez fired shots at the policemen during the drug transaction, forcing the authorities to shoot back.

In Cabuyao City, a man identified only as alias “Akle” was killed in a shootout around 11:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay Mamatid.

Matta said undercover policemen bought unlicensed firearms from the suspect, who suddenly opened fire just as when the police were about to arrest him.

The suspect’s unidentified male companion escaped during the commotion.

The police recovered a .38-caliber gun and several ammunition.

In Silang, Cavite, an alleged drug pusher identified only as an alias “Bungo” was killed in a buy-bust around 2 a.m. Monday in Barangay Maguyam.

A police report said the suspect was first to draw and fire his gun, prompting law enforcers to retaliate. (Editor: Leti Boniol)