Alleged drug suspect killed, four nabbed in Tawi-tawi drug bust

November 21, 2019

A drug suspect was killed while four were apprehended in a buy bust operation in Tawi-tawi on Wednesday morning.

Major Arvin Encinas, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, slain was Odin Masihul, alias Baby, a resident of Sitio Luuk Libon, Barangay Dungon, Panglima Sugala.

Encinas said the suspect was killed when operating troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6, PDEA Tawi-Tawi, and Sapa-Sapa Municipal Police Station conducted buy-bust operation in the waters off Sitio Pahapatan, Barangay Baldatal Islam, Sapa-Sapa.

"During the course of the buy-bust operation, the suspect tried to escape and opened fire at the apprehending team prompting the troops to retaliate and conduct a hot pursuit operation resulting to his untimely death," he said.

Encinas said the exchange of fire also resulted in  slight wounding of two marine troops who were immediately evacuated for medical attention.

"The operation further led to the dismantling of a notorious drug den in the area and to the apprehension of four other suspected drug personalities namely: Abdulnajar Asanol Isarail, Mujahid Misuari Jalas, Rhadzkhomar Pawari Lakibul, and Jack Binlo Magsaysay," he said.

Encinas said troops seized 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated market value of P 340,000; one 1000 peso bill buy-bust money; one M16 rifle with attached M-203 grenade launcher; seven 5.56 magazine loaded with 169 live ammunition; 15 40 mm high explosive ammunition; and cash during the operation.

He said the apprehended suspects will be charged with violation of Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Encinas also mentioned that another drug suspect was also killed in an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Makir, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao in the afternoon of November 19. 

"A certain Dats was neutralized by the combined elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion, PDEA BARMM (Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) , and Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police," he said.

"While approaching the location of the suspect, troops were fired upon which forced them to retaliate that resulted in the wounding of drug personality," he added.

Encinas said the suspect was rushed to nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. 

"Recovered from the possession of alias Dats were one caliber 45 pistol and illegal drug paraphernalia," he said.

"The confiscated items were turned over to PDEA BARMM for proper disposition," he added. Robina Asido/DMS