Two drug suspects killed, 5 arrested in Cotabato City

June 1, 2020

Two drug suspects were killed while five were apprehended in a joint operation by anti-drug agents and the military in Cotabato City last Saturday.

Major Arvin Encinas, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the combined elements of Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) Bangamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao( BARMM), Cotabato City Police Office, and Joint Task Force Central launched the operation at Rosales extension, Rosary Heights 6, Cotabato City targetting violators of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drug Act) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition).

Encinas said the operation resulted in the deaths of Mash-ud Mamasaunda Usop and Richard Suharto Tuas, alias Buron; and arrest of Norjafar Gandawali, alias Dagul; Jun Usman, alias Junjun; Tanz Kevin Ampatuan, alias Kevin; Rohaimin Dalumbang, alias Rohaimin; and Richard Abadian, alias Nonon.

Authorities recovered four heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected as shabu weighing more or less five grams with an estimated value of P136,000; one bundle of photocopied P1,000  bills amounting to P15,000, marked money; two improvised lighters; one black keypad analog cellphone; one black leather wallet containing P500.00 and assorted IDs from the suspect.

Other items seized were one pack assorted transparent plastic sachets; one digital weighing scale; one pair of scissors; five improvised tube (tooter); one Cal .45 pistol with one magazine loaded with nine rounds of ammunition; one KG9 semi-automatic pistol with one magazine loaded with 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition; and one 9mm pistol with one magazine loaded with nine rounds of ammunition.

Encinas said the "neutralized personalities and recovered items were placed under the custody of PDEA BARMM for proper disposition".

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central Commander, emphasized  the strong collaborative efforts of the government forces resulted in significant accomplishments in the first six months of 2020.

"Rest assured that we will remain steadfast in accomplishing our mandated tasks for the people of Central Mindanao," he added.

"In this time of turmoil, we are exhausting all our capabilities to support the government and other agencies in flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, notwithstanding our relentless efforts to end lawlessness and criminality in our area of operation," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom commander. Robina Asido/DMS