‘Nanlaban’ in Cotabato City: 3 drug suspects dead in buy-bust operation

COTABATO CITY—Three drug suspects were killed in a buy-bust operation here on Tuesday (April 20).

Capt. Rustom Pastolero, Cotabato City police station 2 chief, said the operation was conducted around 11 a.m. at the village of Rosary Heights 7 where the suspects also lived and allegedly peddled crystal meth.

The slain suspects were identified as Motalib Sumurang, 35, Benjie Fortich, 38, and Saidamen Kasanguan, 26.

Pastolero said a police undercover agent bought three packets of meth from one of the suspects who sensed he was dealing with a law enforcer, pulled out a gun and opened fire.

A brief clash ensued between the suspects and policemen which led to the death of one of the suspects in a hospital.

Four other persons were invited for questioning for being at the site of the buy-bust operation.

Police said forensic examiners found bullet shells from 9 mm pistol. .38 caliber revolver and seven packets of meth.

At the same village on Monday (April 19), police arrested a cargo truck driver and his helper in another buy-bust operation that yielded 25 grams of meth.

The suspects, identified as Romulo Able Jr. and a certain Bonbon, were residents of Davao City.

TSB