MNLF intel officer escapes in drug bust

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - An intelligence officer of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) escaped a drug buy-bust operation Wednesday in a coastal village of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Police Inspector Dahlan Samuddin, information officer of the Police Regional Office 9, identified the suspect as Muksin Batulla, 45, intelligence officer of the MNLF central committee.

His alleged cohorts, Botchoy Ybernas-Daud and Aldazer Idai Sapurani, both residents of Barangay Bucana were captured by the authorities.

Police Chief Inspector Joseph Reales-Maulad, acting police chief of Siocon, said Batulla is ranked No. 2 in the drug watch list personalities of the region.

Maulad and his team conducted the drug buy-bust operation at the house of Batulla, sending a poseur buyer to purchase a small pack of shabu using the marked money.

Batulla however sensed the presence of the authorities and immediately fled the area, leaving his two companions behind.

The operatives recovered a piece of heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected shabu, including drug paraphernalia.

Maulad said a manhunt operation is launched to capture Batulla.