7 killed in drug raid on Manila’s Islamic Center

MANILA, Philippines — Seven drug suspects were killed when police operatives conducted a “One Time Big Time” drug raid at a Filipino-Muslim community along Palanca St. in Quiapo, Manila on Friday, October 7.

The raid also resulted in the arrest of at least 200 other suspects.

The Islamic Center of Barangay 648 was the main target of the operations between the combined efforts of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Special Action Force, Manila Police District SWAT and anti-illegal drugs operatives.

Manila Police District Director S/Supt. Joel Coronel said that the firefight between the police and drug suspects ended in 7 casualties, including Barangay 648 chairman Faiz Macabato, who was considered a high-value target and has a bounty of P1 million for his arrest, and two other former barangay councilors.

Confiscated from the raid are firearms and grenades with at least 60 sachets of shabu from the 263 drug suspects arrested.

The raid, which was also conducted in other places in Manila – including a slum area near the Baseco Compound – resulted in numerous drug suspect arrests. There was also one suspect killed.

The anti-drug activities coincide with the 100th day since President Rodrigo Duterte took office. – Rappler.com