Alleged Abu Sayyaf killed in Tawi-tawi buy bust

June 10, 2020

ZAMBOANGA CITY - An alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed while two others arrested in anti-drug operations in Tawi-tawi, an official said Wednesday.

Emerson Margate, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director, said slain was Bensal Aradi.

Margate said arrested were Mahmud Ainal, 42; and, Najil Sangkula, 35.

Margate said that Aradi was killed in a shootout around 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Tubig Basag, Bongao, Tawi-tawi.

Margate said Aradi opened fire, prompting the agents to return fire, killing Aradi.

He said Ainal, who were with Aradi during the buy-bust operation, were arrested by the operatives of PDEA, police, and military.

He said recovered were some 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P340,000, one caliber .45 pistol with live ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and marked money.

He said that charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects.  DMS