‘Gunrunner’ slain in shootout

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — An alleged illegal firearms dealer was killed in a shootout while his companion was arrested during a sting in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Saturday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the fatality as Datun Mastura, 56, and his companion as Norodin Sulaiman, 33.

Lt. Col. Ariel Huesca of the CIDG-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said two assault rifles were seized from the suspects.

The CIDG conducted the sting in Barangay Limbo after receiving information about the illegal activity involving the suspects.

Mastura was a hospital employee while Sulaiman was allegedly a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Huesca said Mastura allegedly drew his gun after sensing that he was dealing with police undercover agents.

Pat. Raffy Jacinto was wounded in the firefight.