N. Cotabato suspected drug trafficker dies in Davao Sur shootout

KIDAPAWAN CITY- Police killed a student from North Cotabato suspected to be in illegal drug trade after he allegedly shot it out with pursuing lawmen in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.Senior Inspector Jeffrey Latayada, Bansalan police chief, identified the slain victim as Arminel Floreno of Barangay Malasila, Makilala, North Cotabato. Also arrested was Floreno's companion, identified as Muktar Owan of Sitio Flortam,Barangay Batasan, also inMakilala.Latayada said a joint police drug buy bust operation was conducted by Bansalan and Magsaysay town police office in Barangay Marber Friday.When cornered and police seized prohibited drugs, the suspects tried to escape by boarding a getaway motorbike and sped away as police launched manhunt.As pursuit was on going, Floreno allegedly pulled a cal. 38 revolverand shot it out with lawmen while Owan and climbed up a tree to hide.Latayada said the two have been placed under surveillance for at least two weeks due to illegal drug trade activities in Bansalan and Magsaysay towns.