SECURITY forces and narcotics operatives killed a suspected drug dealer and arrested eight others during a raid at a terrorist lair in Basilan on Friday.
Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, identified the slain suspect as Abubakar Adali Asa, who was killed in an ensuing shootout with the government raiding party at the outskirts of Maluso, Basilan at about 5:45 a.m.
Tan said government forces from the Marine Battalion Landing Team (4th Special Forces Battalion) and PDEA operatives swooped down on Sitio Canas, Barangay Calangcanas to arrest Asa for his illegal drug trading.
The arresting team members were approaching their target when Asa’s group fired at them, triggering a shootout. Asa died on the spot while eight of his companions were cornered.
The operatives seized 2-M16 rifles, M203 grenade launcher, one caliber .22 pistol, one rifle grenade, several rounds of ammunition and magazines, undetermined cash, suspected shabu and other drug paraphernalia.
The confiscated items were turned over to the Maluso Police Station while the 8 arrested persons were detained. Charges for violation of the dangerous drug act would be filed against the suspects, the military said.
The operations followed numerous complaints against Asa’s alleged illegal drug dealing in Maluso town and other neighboring areas in Basilan.
Tan said the military will assist law enforcement agencies in the efforts to stamp out illegal drug activities.