ILOILO City – The number of suspected drug personalities killed since January in Western Visayas has risen to 12.
The latest casualty was Nepthalie Tibang of Barangay Condes, Culasi, Antique. He was also the eighth drug suspect killed in Antique this year.
Tibang died of gunshot wounds in Barangay San Luis, Culasi on July 14 at around 10 p.m.
He fought back, according to Senior Inspector Clark Philip Dinco, Culasi police chief.
An undercover police officer tried to arrest Tibang after buying a sachet of shabu from the suspect.
Tibang pulled out a gun from his waist but the policeman moved fast and shot him.
Police Regional Office 6 records showed the following casualties in the war against illegal drugs in Western Visayas since January 2018:
* Edwin Salvador, 49 (Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique)
* Kenneth Henry Tabarangao, 30, (Barangay Madrangca, San Jose, Antique)
* Vidal Alaldo, 49, (Barangay Madrangca, San Jose, Antique)
* Rowell Sumugat, 33 (Barangay Baladjay, San Remegio, Antique)
* Aldrich Encarnacion, 36 (Barangay Maybato Norte, San Jose, Antique)
* Rodney Ortea, 36 (Barangay Carit-an, Patnongon, Antique)
* John Delbert Modares (San Jose, Antique)
* Ramy Poja, 36 (Barangay Banago, Bacolod City)
* Roberto Lim, 25 (Barangay Banago, Bacolod City)
* Alberto Altas, 48 (Barangay Tanza Esperanza, Iloilo City)
* Melvin Hilado, 25 (Barangay Su-ay, Himamaylan, Negros Occidental)
According to PRO-6 director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao, the death of Tibang should further serve as a reminder to drug traffickers to stop their illegal activities.
“They better surrender,” said Bulalacao.
Formerly the spokesperson of the Philippine National Police based in Camp Crame, Bulalacao previously disclosed he had a short talk with President Rodrigo Duterte on June 20 when the country’s chief executive visited Iloilo. He said the President ordered him to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs in Western Visayas./PN
