2 suspected drug pushers slain in shootouts with cops in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY –– Two alleged illegal drug pushers were killed in separate gunfights Monday and Tuesday with police operatives in drug stings in Camarines Norte and Albay provinces.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said Dario Oquialda, 35, died in a shootout with police during a buy-bust operation around 1:45 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Magang in Daet, Camarines Norte.

A report said Oquialda had two unidentified cohorts who escaped when the firefight started. They remain at large.

The report did not state if Oquialda had drugs in his possession.

In Daraga town, Albay, Eugen Llaga, a high-value target, died in a shootout during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Binitayan around 10:45 p.m. Monday.

Llaga was selling a sachet of suspected shabu (crystal meth) to an undercover police operative.

Sensing that it was a set-up, Llaga drew his handgun and fired at the police operative, prompting them to retaliate and kill him on the spot.

LZB