Ex-soldier slain in anti-drugs operation in North Cotabato

PIKIT, North Cotabato-A former soldier was killed while another person was arrested during an anti-criminality sweep in Barangay Batulawan here before dawn Friday.

Killed in the 3 a.m. operation was retired Sergeant Ibrahim Ayunan, 57, who resisted arrest by firing at the troops using his 9-millimeter pistol, according to Chief Inspector Aldrin Gonzales, Central Mindanao police spokesperson.

Gonzales identified the arrested suspect as Salaban Sapalon Talusan, from whom a Garand rifle was taken.

He said various units from the local, provincial and regional police offices joined hands in serving search warrants against 11 persons, including Ayunan and Talusan. The duo was being sought for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165).

“There was resistance and the suspects were armed and dangerous, so there was a brief firefight,” Gonzales said.

Ayunan was initially critically wounded but died upon arrival at a local hospital.

The other suspects being sought were not in the village at the time of the raid, according to Gonzales.