Malabang town, Lanao del Sur (Wikipedia maps)
COTABATO CITY – A suspected drug lord, allegedly a supporter of the Maute terror group, was killed in anti-drug operations in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday.
Capt. John Arvin Encinas, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the 6th Infantry Battalion in Malabang and anti-narcotics operatives were serving search warrants against Nago Balindong for illegal drugs peddling when a shootout happened.
“He opened fire on our troops, triggering a gun battle,” Encinas said, adding that the slain Balindong had six warrants of arrest on murder charges.
Arrested were Baks Balindong, Tingaraan Boroboro and five others believed to be supporters of the Maute Group, he added.
Operatives recovered a .45-pistol, two hand grenades, 10 mobile phones, P3,000 cash and three huge sachets of shabu. SFM/rga