Cigarette smuggling suspect slain in ‘shootout’ with cops

PIGCAWAYAN, North Cotabato, Philippines — A suspected cigarette smuggler was killed while his companion was wounded in an alleged shootout with law enforcers in this town on Wednesday.

Town police chief Maj. Carl Jayson Baynosa said Bhan Mangcog Ali was killed while Tahir Musa was wounded as they fired at policemen manning a security checkpoint.

The driver and passenger of a red Toyota Town Ace were injured when the van was hit by the Toyota Avanza of the suspects as they tried to escape from pursuing policemen.

Police said nine boxes, which contained cigarettes, a caliber .45 pistol, two sachets of shabu and P11,000 in cash were recovered from the vehicle of the suspects.  – Emmanuel Tupas