7 killed in Quiapo anti-drug raid

Seven people were killed in a massive police anti-illegal drug operation on Palanca Street in Quiapo, Manila, on Friday morning, a News TV Live report has said.

The report said target of the operation was the Islamic Center of Barangay 648 where police had to block all entry and exit points.

The operation started early Friday morning. At about 9 a.m., two bloodied men were seen being brought out of the area through a pedicab, the report said.

It added that the two were brought to a hospital as part of standard operating procedure.

“This shows that we are serious in our fight against illegal drugs,” Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said in a statement, as he urged the Muslim leaders at the Islamic Center to support the government’s war against drugs.

“This is just the second time that Islamic Center has been raided; the first was during Marcos administration. Sana ay magtulungan tayo para malinis, matiwasay at drug-free ang inyong komunidad,” the mayor said.

A report by radio dzBB's Cecille Villarosa on Balitanghali quoted Manila Police District Director S/Supt. Joel Coronel as saying that a firefight ensued between police operatives and the suspects which resulted to "casualties."

He said among the casualties was Barangay 648 chairman Faiz Macabato, who was considered a high-value target and has a bounty of P1 million for his arrest.

Two of the casualties were former barangay councilors, the Balitanghali report said, citing Coronel.

Seized from the operation were several firearms and grenades and at least 60 sachets of shabu.

A total of 263 drug suspects or "persons of interest" were also arrested, the MPD said. —Erwin Colcol and Virgil Lopez/KBK/NB, GMA News