7 killed in anti-drug raid in Matalam, North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Seven persons were killed in an anti-drug raid conducted by policemen who were supported by soldiers in Matalam, North Cotabato near midnight Friday.

North Cotabato police spokesperson Superintendent Bernard Tayong said combined police and military authorities were serving a search warrant against a certain Dading Kasan and an Intan Aban in Sitio Biao in Barangay Kilada around 11:15 p.m. when they were met with gunfire.

“During the implementation of the search warrant, the subjects together with their companions fought and engaged the law enforcers in heavy firefight,” Tayong said.

Tayong said the shootout lasted for about an hour.

“After the firefight, seven injured suspects were brought to Babol hospital but they were declared dead upon arrival,” Tayong said.

Police did not identify the slain suspects. Seized from the suspects were high-powered firearms that included a caliber .50 sniper rifle and rocket propelled grenade launchers. /muf