BIFF militiaman nabbed over drugs in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Security forces arrested a suspected member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter in Maguindanao after a surveillance operation turned into a gunbattle, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency  (PDEA) said on Tuesday.

Belated reports said that combined elements of the PDEA, Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army shot it out with some 10 militiamen of the BIFF under the Commander Marrox Group at the vicinity of Brgy. Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao on  May 9.

"The encounter lasted for 30 minutes with the rebels withdrawing towards the northeast direction," PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac Jr. said, adding that the operation is under case operation plan "Uphold Kauranon".

Authorities managed to repulse the gunmen and arrested Datu Naut Sailila, of Pidsandawan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

Seized from him were a plastic sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing 10 grams, several drug paraphernalia, five M-16 assault rifles, a hand grenade, a two-way radio antenna, and a bag containing belongings with BIFF markings.

A case for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, is being prepared for filing before the Maguindanao Prosecution Office against Sailila.