Malabang: A suspect was killed while two others were arrested as authorities seized some PHP2.4 million worth of illegal drugs in a law enforcement operation in Malabang, Lanao del Sur on Sunday. In a report Monday, Col. Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police director, identified the slain suspect only as Fahad while those arrested as Monalisa and Abdul.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fahad was killed after a shootout following the buy-bust operation in Barangay Matling, Malabang. During the operation, upon sensing the ongoing police operation and the arrest of his cohorts, Fahad reportedly engaged responding operatives, resulting in an armed confrontation in which he sustained a gunshot wound to his left upper chest. Fahad was immediately brought to Dr. Serapio Monta±er Jr. Memorial Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Seized from the suspects were some 362.6 grams of suspected shabu, a car, a .38-caliber revolver, and the buy-bust money. The arrested suspects and recovered pieces of evidence were brought to the Malabang Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.

Cabuhat commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts and continued dedication to strengthening the campaign against illegal drugs in Lanao del Sur. The anti-drug operation was launched by the police's Regional Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with other police units, and the Army's 51st Infantry Battalion.