SANTIAGO, ILOCOS SUR - A drug suspect was killed in front of the barangay plaza in Sabangan Santiago, Ilocos Sur on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

The victim, 48-year-old Roberto dela Cruz, had just attended a meeting with his fellow drug surrenderers when he was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

He was brought to the Candon City Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

A minor was also injured by a stray bullet.

Police found spent bullet casings and slugs in the crime scene.

Based on the records of PNP-Santiago, Dela Cruz was the top 3 "drug personality" in the municipality.

He was also allegedly a member of a drug syndicate operating in Ilocos Sur, police said.

“Na-monitor namin na bumalik na naman siya sa pagbenta ng illegal na droga. Inaalam din namin kung may naka-away siya na maaring magtangka ng kanyang buhay,” police Chief Inspector James Patrick Calibuso said.

The victim’s family said Dela Cruz was no longer engaged in illegal activities.