Three slain for allegedly resisting arrest in Cotabato town

Cotabato province map. INQUIRER FILES

COTABATO CITY — Three suspected drug personalities were killed after they allegedly resisted arrest during a law enforcement operation in Barangay Marbel of Matalam town, Cotabato province on Thursday, June 1.

Matalam police chief Lt. Col. Arniel Melocotones said the police were to serve the warrant of arrest when the suspects opened fire.

Melocotones identified one of the slain suspects as Abdulkarim Unsil, 38, a resident of Barangay Marbel, Matalam, and the primary target of law enforcement operation. Also killed were his companions identified as Gerald Mangiling and Kanacan Unsil.

Arrested during the operation was Harold Singcala Kalunsing, 23, who was with the slain victims during the operation.

Police and 90th Infantry Battalion troopers rushed the injured victims to the hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Seized from them were suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) estimated to value P182,000.

Police also recovered two caliber-.45 pistols and a caliber .38 revolver and bullets.

Melocotones also said that the operating units also recovered seven motorcycles with doubtful registration papers.

RELATED STORIES

2 Cotabato drug suspects arrested, P3.4-M ‘shabu’ seized

Cotabato village councilor falls in anti-drug operations

PDEA agents bust drug den in Cotabato town