Drug suspects in Reuters report were armed and dangerous—MPD chief

The drug suspects killed in a Manila operation reported by Reuters were armed and dangerous, Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said Tuesday.

“The operation was conducted with barangay officials and tanods themselves. So far, our reports indicate that we have observed all the rules in police operating procedures,” Coronel told reporters.

The MPD chief said that the three drug suspects were considered “high risk” and endanger the lives of not only civilians but also the lives of the police personnel conducting the operation.

According to the police report, the three suspects got shot and immediately rushed to hospital, but expired while undergoing treatment.

Coronel belied reports that the incident was a case of summary execution.

Coronel added that the policemen took the necessary actions to secure the area prior to the operation to prevent casualty in case a shootout erupts. /jpv

RELATED STORY

MPD vows to probe deaths of 3 Manila drug personalities