Malaysian slain in Tawi-Tawi drug sting

MANILA, Philippines — A Malaysian man and his alleged Filipino cohort were killed in an alleged shootout with anti-narcotics agents in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi yesterday.

Hari Man Bin Sabitula, a native of Sabah, and Nadzmil Ladja drew their guns when they sensed they had transacted with policemen who posed as buyers in Barangay Pahut at around 9:45 a.m., Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said.

Around 1.5 kilos of shabu valued at P10.2 million, five grams of marijuana worth P600 and a .45-caliber pistol were reportedly recovered from the fatalities.

“Anti-illegal drug operations will continue without letup even as the PNP remains preoccupied with law enforcement and public safety duties in response to the COVID-19 health crisis,” Eleazar said.