PNP-12 anti illegal drug operation leaves 3 dead, 6 guns seize

TACURONG CITY - An active police officer and two former police officers suspected of pushing illegal drugs were killed in a shootout with law enforcers implementing anti-drug operation in the borders of this city and President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat, police said today. Supt. Romeo Galgo, speaking for PNP-12, identified the slain police officer as PO1 Ryan Mastura who opened fire on approaching lawmen during the 4 a.m. serving of search warrants issued by Alandrex M Betoya, RTC 12, Branch 16, Kabacan, North Cotabato in the community bordering Tacurong City and President Quirino. In President Quirino police operation, killed were were Mods” Salendab (later identified as SPO2 Lahmudin Salendab) and Faizal Sedik Montani, also former police officer, both residents of President Quirino. Galgo said police are still determining which police units the three belonged, Galgo said. Our troops were fired upon by the suspects and their companions, that triggered the fire fight,” Galgo, also PRO-12 Regional Public Information Office chief, told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida Koronadal. As standard operating procedures, our operating troops rushed them to a hospital in Tacurong City but were pronounced dead on arrival by physicians,” Galgo said, adding that the suspects were armed to the teeth and that they clearly resisted arrest. Joint operatives of Regional Anti-Illegal Drug Special Task Force (RAIDSOTF), Tacurong City and President Quirino PNP and Regional Public Safety Battalion recovered one Uzi sub-machinegun, a cal. 38 revolver, a cal. 45 pistol, an M-16 Armalite rifle, a 9mm pistol and 12 gauge shotgun. At the scene of encounter, police also foundempty shells for 9mm, cal. 45 pistol and M-16 Armalite rifle. As of Sept. 1, Galgo said 54 persons have been killed during police operations in Region 12. About 700 persons engaged in illegal drugs were arrested and more than 26,000 individuals voluntarily surrendered” to police authorities.