Suspected BIFF member arrested for possession of ‘shabu’

AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Combined forces of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) have arrested a suspected member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) that led to a shootout in Maguindanao.

Datu Naut Sailila, alias Akwano, was nabbed last Friday for possessing one plastic sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing 10 grams, several drug paraphernalia, five M16 rifles, a hand grenade, a two-way radio antenna, and a bag containing belongings with BIFF markings.

Arturo G. Cacdac, Jr., PDEA Director General Undersecretary, said in a statement Tuesday that government forces, while conducting surveillance operation, engaged in a shootout with 10 suspected BIFF men under “Commander Marrox Group” in Barangay (village) Sapakan, Rajah Buayan municipality.

“The encounter lasted for 30 minutes with the rebels withdrawing towards the northeast direction,” Cacdac said.

He added that the operation was part of operation plan “Uphold Kauranon.”

The arrested person will be facing charges of violations of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“The case against Sailila is being prepared for filing before the Maguindanao Prosecution Office,” Cacdac added.

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