In a dramatic turn of events during a drug bust in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, a suspected drug den operator was killed, and two others were apprehended on Thursday afternoon. The operation, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), unfolded in Barangay Siling, resulting in a tense confrontation between law enforcement and the suspects.
According to PDEA-BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro, the operation began as a buy-bust but quickly escalated when one of the suspects, known as ‘Rolan,’ opened fire on the officers and attempted to flee. Another suspect, ‘Dats,’ also engaged the authorities with gunfire, leading to a 15-minute shootout. Dats was injured during the exchange and later succumbed to his wounds at a hospital.
Two other individuals, identified as ‘Memo’ and ‘King,’ were taken into custody during the raid. The operation yielded significant seizures, including 25 sachets of suspected shabu valued at PHP102,000, along with drug paraphernalia, a motorcycle, and a 9 mm machine pistol with ammunition.
The arrested suspects are now facing charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as authorities continue their efforts to dismantle drug operations in the region.