By Edwin Fernandez

DRUG BUST. Two suspects are arrested during a drug bust in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday (Feb. 20, 2025.) The alleged drug den operator died after a shootout with authorities while another one escaped. (Photo courtesy of PDEA BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – A drug den operator was killed while two other suspects were arrested Thursday afternoon during an anti-drug operation in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.

PDEA-BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro said Friday that agents, backed by military and police, conducted a buy-bust operation that resulted in the dismantling of a drug den in Barangay Siling.

One suspect, identified as “Rolan,” fired his gun at officers and tried to escape, Castro said. Another suspect, “Dats,” also fired his gun.

“This led the operatives to return fire, resulting in a firefight that lasted 15 minutes, during which Dats was wounded,” Castro said.

Dats was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Two other suspects, “Memo” and “King,” were arrested.

PDEA agents seized 25 sachets of suspected shabu worth PHP102,000, drug paraphernalia, a motorcycle, and a 9 mm machine pistol with ammunition.

The suspects face charges of violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)