Agusan drug ring's leader slain

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) neutralized a notorious drug syndicate in Agusan del Norte with the killing of its leader in a shootout Wednesday.

Anti-narcotics agents said five members of the Manap group, including two teenagers, were collared after the encounter, which left Ali Tanog Manap, one of the most wanted drug personalities in the region, dead in Barangay Matabao, Buenavista town.

Operatives of PDEA-Region 13 arrested Manap’s alleged cohorts Camar Gumama, Ajid Tanday and Samshia Nasser, along with the two minors who Santiago said will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper custody and counseling.

The three arrested suspects face charges of violation of Sections 5 and 26, Article II of Republic Act 9165 for sale and possession of illegal drugs.

Seized from them were a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing shabu, a P500 bill used as marked money, a cellular phone, wallet, and .45 caliber pistol, which was turned over to the crime laboratory of the regional police for ballistic test.