By Richel V. Umel
Correspondent .
ILIGAN City — One drug suspect was killed and three others were arrested in a joint law enforcement operations against illegal drugs in the hinterland village of Abaga in Nunungan town of Lanao del Norte Wednesday, at around 4:00 pm.
The lone fatality was identified as Samolabao Tumog, known as alias SB, a former Barangay Chairman of Rebucon of the same municipality.
“Samolabao Tumog was shot dead in a follow-up operation after the apprehension of the three drug suspects,” Lt. Col. Rolando Orengo, commanding officer of the 5th mechanized Infantry Battalion.
Orengo added that the government troops were about to serve the search warrant when Samolabao warned them not to enter his house and immediately fired his M16 rifle which resulted in the wounding of one soldier.
The wounded trooper was immediately evacuated and rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.
“The three arrested were identified as Jalal Diambarang Tumog, Pano Tumog, and Hami Tumog and are now under the custody of Philippine National Police for filing of appropriate charges,” Orengo said.
The raiding team recovered one M16 rifle, two rifle grenades, one hand grenade, magazines, and ammunition at the crime scene.
“The neutralization of these drug personalities significantly reduced the criminality in our area of operation. I warn every lawless personalities to lay down their firearms and surrender to proper authorities before the iron hand will reach your pin pointed hideout and prevent further bloodshed,” Brig. Gen. Ezra James Enriquez, 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction over Lanao del Norte Province, said.
The military, Commission on Elections, and the police is currently implementing a total gun ban.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the 1st Infantry Division lauded the efforts of 5th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Brigade and the PNP for the successful neutralization of drug personalities.
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