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PDEA agent, 3 others killed in Zambo Sibugay anti-drug op

By Leah Agonoy

September 3, 2019, 8:27 pm

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- An anti-narcotics agent and three drug personalities died in a shootout in the Zamboanga Sibugay capital town of Ipil, an official said Tuesday.

The shootout occurred late Monday in Purok Javier, Barangay Upper Pangi, Ipil, said Maj. Lee Eric Humpa, Ipil police chief.

Humpa said the shootout ensued as the drug personalities opened fire when the vehicle of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) stopped near them.

Humpa said that PDEA agent Jack Roland Bastatas, who was hit in the first volley of gunfire, died instantaneously.

A policeman, Cpl. Richie Novie Janeo of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9), was injured and taken to a hospital.

Humpa said the PDEA agents, backed by RDEU-9 policemen, managed to return fire and killed three of the suspects and captured another.

He identified the slain suspects as Ibrahim Cula, Jan-Jan Mauli, and Absar Cula. Another suspect, Rosalie Gonzales Cula, was captured.

He said the operating team seized some 30.5 grams of suspected shabu, two rifles, six handguns, and assorted ammunition.

He said appropriate charges are set to be filed against Cula. (PNA)

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