Drug suspect slain in Tawi-Tawi sting

Zamboanga City, Philippines — A suspected marijuana dealer was killed in an alleged shootout with law enforcers in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on Thursday.

The slain suspect, who was known only by his alias of Khan, drew his gun when he sensed that he was dealing with an undercover agent in Barangay Panyungan, Brig. Gen. Romeo Racadio, Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said.

Rocadio said 13 kilos of dried marijuana with an estimated street value of P425,593 and a caliber .38 revolver were recovered from the fatality.

The operation was a result of intensified operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, police and military following the discovery of marijuana plantations in the nearby province of Sulu.

The military said illegal drugs from Sulu are brought to Tawi-Tawi due to its proximity and vast coastal area.