P1.6M shabu, firearms seized in Cotabato drug bust

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Policemen recovered in a raid Friday P1.6 million worth of shabu and military-type firearms in a lair here of two notorious drug traffickers.

The suspects, Faisal Biruar and Abo Karinggi, both managed to escape, but four of their men were not as lucky.

Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, director of the Cotabato City police, said they learned of the exact location of the latest hideout of the duo, at the Mahad area in Barangay Mother Bagua here, from local folks.

“We did not expect we can find three M-16 assault rifles, a .45 caliber pistol and assorted ammunition of various calibers in their hideout,” said Supiter, who led the raid, carried out with the help of community elders and barangay leaders.

Supiter said they also recovered more than P1 million worth of shabu or methamphetamine hydrochloride in the house the two drug traffickers used as transshipment point for their illegal merchandise.

Neighbors said Biruar and Karinggi both managed to run away before the raiding team could surround their lair.

Four of their men were, however, eventually cornered by pursuing policemen with the help of neighbors, according to Supiter.

The arrested suspects, whose names Supiter withheld meantime while policemen are still trying to establish the identities of their cohorts, are now under police custody.

Investigators said they will be charged with violation of the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Act on Monday.

“We will also sue them for possession of unlicensed guns,” Supiter said.