ZAMBOANGA. Authorities seized approximately P2.4 million worth of illegal drugs following a shootout during a law enforcement operation on Sunday in Matling village, Malabang, Lanao del Sur. The incident resulted in the death of a suspect and the arrest of two others, the police reported on Monday, June 8, 2026.
Operation Details
Police Colonel Caezar Cabuhat, Lanao del Sur police director, identified the slain suspect as alias Fahad. The arrested individuals were identified as alias Monalisa and alias Abdul. Cabuhat stated that a shootout erupted after Fahad resisted the operatives during the buy-bust operation conducted on Sunday, June 7, in Matling village.
“Upon sensing the ongoing police operation and the arrest of his cohorts, alias Fahad reportedly engaged the responding operatives, resulting in an armed confrontation in which he sustained a gunshot wound to his left upper chest,” Cabuhat said in his report.
Medical Response and Seized Items
Fahad was immediately rushed to Dr. Serapio Montañer Jr. Memorial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Authorities confiscated approximately 362.6 grams of suspected shabu valued at P2.4 million, a car, a caliber .38 revolver with two live ammunition rounds, and the buy-bust money from the suspects.
The arrested suspects and recovered evidence were brought to the Malabang Municipal Police Station for proper documentation.
Commendation and Coordination
Cabuhat commended the operating units for their coordinated efforts and continued dedication in strengthening the campaign against illegal drugs in Lanao del Sur. The anti-drug operation was launched by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), in coordination with other police units in Lanao del Sur and the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion.
