ZAMBOANGA CITY --An alleged drug pusher was killed and two soldiers wounded while four were arrested following a shootout during a buy-bust in a drug den in the province of Tawi-Tawi, an official said Thursday.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, identified the slain "drug pusher" as Odin Masihul, who carried the aliases of Baby, Bedi, and Ombak, and a resident of Barangay Dungon, Panlima Sugala town, Tawi-Tawi.
Encinas said the shootout ensued when Masihul opened fire while trying to escape during a sting operation that prompted the lawmen to return fire, killing the suspect.
The buy-bust took place before Wednesday dawn in Sitio Pahapatan, Barangay Baldatal, Sapa-Sapa town, he said.
Encinas was unable to release the identities of the two soldiers who were wounded in the shootout, except that they belong to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 (MBLT-6).
He said the buy-bust also resulted in the dismantling of a known drug den in Barangay Baldatal, Sapa-Sapa.
He identified the four suspected drug personalities as Abdulnajar Asanol Isarail, Mujahid Misuari Jalas, Rhadzkhomar Pawari Lakibul, and Jack Binlo Magsaysay.
He said the four suspects yielded 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of PHP340,000; an M-16 Armalite rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher; several types of ammunition; and other pieces of evidence.
Police said the arrested drug personalities will be charged with violation of Article II of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Encinas said the buy-bust was carried out by a joint team of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives, policemen, and MBLT-6 troops. (PNA)
