Man killed in North Cotabato anti-drug raid, 2 others arrested

MLANG, North Cotabato-- Police authorities today killed a 34-year-old man who resisted arrest during an anti-drug operation in M'lang, North Cotabato, police said.Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, named the slain drug suspect as Rudil Pananguilan of Barnagay Lipaga, Mlang, North Cotabato.Armed with arrest warrant issued by Judge Alexander Betoya of Regional Trial Court Branch 16 in Kabacan, also in North Cotabato, the police backed by the Army's 7th Infantry Battalion swooped down on the house of Pananguilan at past 5 a.m.However, the suspect pulled his hand gun and traded shots with lawmen, prompting authorities to return fire that left Pananguilan injured. Police rushed him to the hospital in Mlang town proper but he expired along the way, Tayong said.Senior Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, police provincial director, said the slain suspect was listed in the police wanted persons for supplying prohibited drugs in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.Two other followers of Pananguilan was arrested and hauled to Mlang town police lock up cell. They were identified as Edsrael Panangilan Abdullah, 33 years old, married, laborer and a resident of Purok 2 Barangay Dungos Tulunan, Cotabato and Siden Bitol of Barangay Gaunan, also in Mlang.Recovered from them were one ammunition for M-203 grenade rifle.Recovered from the house of Pananguilan were prohibited drugs, a cal. 38 revolver, a home-made Ingram automatic rifle and bullets.