MANILA, Philippines - An alleged gun-for-hire, said to belong to a prominent clan in Maguindanao, was arrested by anti-narcotics operatives during a recent raid on a drug den in Cotabato City.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the suspect, Datu Neil Mastura, 26, is the son of Buagas Mastura, alleged leader of the so-called Askal drug group.
Brian Babang, PDEA director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Mastura was nabbed in a drug den allegedly operated by Dexter Lasam, 27, alias Tonton Mamalangkas.
Upon verification, the PDEA found out that the young Mastura had pending warrants of arrest for murder and was on the list of most wanted criminals of both the police and military.
Lasam was arrested, too, after he allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to an undercover agent. Also collared in the drug den was a certain Datu Mokamad, 26.
Lasam allegedly opened fire at members of the raiding team, prompting the latter to return fire. He eventually threw his firearm into a river before he was arrested. Only the leather holster was recovered from him, apart from the evidence of illegal drugs.
A senior citizen, identified as Karon Lumambas, 82, was rushed to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center after he claimed being hit by a stray bullet on the right knee.
Charges for selling dangerous drugs and maintaining a drug den were filed against Lasam. The young Mastura and Mokamad were charged for violation of Republic Act 9165.
“This operation in particular is part of our bid to clear Purok Sampalok, Barangay Bagua in Cotabato City of notorious drug pushers and their protectors,” said PDEA chief Director General Dionisio Santiago.
The raid was conducted by joint elements of the PDEA-ARMM, the Cotabato City police under Superintendent Willie Dangane, Task Group Tugis, and the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade led by Lt. Col. Roy Galido.