Drug suspect killed, 2 Marines wounded in drug bust

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An alleged member of a drug ring was killed while two Marines were wounded in an alleged shootout during a sting in Tawi-Tawi on Wednesday.

The fatality was identified as Odin Masihul, alias Ombak.

A suspected drug den was also dismantled in the operation conducted by personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Sitio Pahapatan, Barangay Baldatal Islam in Sapa-Sapa town. 

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said Masihul’s four companions identified as Abdulnajar Asanol Isarail, Mujahid Misuari Jalas, Rhadzkhomar Pawari Lakibul and Jack Binlo Magsaysay were arrested. 

Authorities said 50 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P340,000, an M16 rifle with an M203 grenade launcher, seven 5.56 magazines loaded with ammunition, bullets for a caliber .40 pistol and an undetermined amount of cash were recovered from the suspects.