Cop, drug suspect killed in Basilan sting

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A police officer and a drug suspect were killed in an alleged shootout that occurred during an anti-narcotics operation in Hadji Mohammad Ajul town in Basilan on Tuesday.

Chief M/Sgt. Jilhem Elmen of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit was declared dead on arrival at the Lamitan District Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the body.

The other fatality, identified as Immad Awwalun, died at the scene of the encounter that occurred in Barangay Seronggon.

The target of the sting was Hamid Idarus, who along with his companions – Awwalun and Ridzmar Muhammad – sensed the presence of police officers.

The suspects drew their guns, triggering a shootout that resulted in the death of Elmen and Awwalun.

Idarus escaped, but Muhammad was arrested after the encounter.

Police said they recovered from Muhammad a plastic sachet containing shabu with an estimated street value of P13,600 and drug paraphernalia.