COTABATO CITY, Philippines – At least P1.6 million worth of shabu and firearms were recovered by authorities following a raid on the hideouts of two suspected drug traffickers in this city on Friday.
Faisal Biruar and Abo Karinggi managed to escape, but four of their men were arrested in the operation conducted in Barangay Mother Bagua.
Villagers tipped off the police officers about the location of the suspects’ hideout, according to city police chief Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter.
“We did not expect to find three M-16 rifles, a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition in the hideout,” Supiter said.
Neighbors said Biruar and Karinggi escaped before the raiding team arrived in the area.
Police withheld the names of the arrested suspects, who will be charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“We will also sue them for possession of unlicensed guns,” Supiter said.