P13.6 million shabu seized, suspect slain in Sulu sting

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Anti-narcotics agents seized two kilos of shabu valued at P13.6 million in a sting in Sulu on Thursday that left a drug suspect dead.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Mirajul Manglawi died at the scene.

Manglawi’s alleged cohorts Ajing Samad, Abdu Haran Nungi, Eyan Dugasan, Ceasar Aradais, Dugasan Istuala and Mursidin Jalling surrendered after law enforcers surrounded their getaway boats following a brief chase off the coast of Barangay Kanaway in Parang town.

In Pampanga, 44 kilos of marijuana bricks valued at P5.2 million were confiscated from three suspects in Mabalacat City yesterday.

Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, Pampanga police director, said Lianna Jess Maigne de la Cruz, Jerthec Cris Lusung and  Filmar Lipasano were arrested at the holding area of Victory Liner in Barangay Dau.

Ibay said employees of the bus company informed the police on the discovery of the illegal drugs.

The suspects reportedly mixed the marijuana bricks with bananas. – Ramon Efren Lazaro