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Philippines

Terror group member slain in anti-drug operation in South Cotabato

Philippines

Terror group member slain in anti-drug operation in South Cotabato

By Joseph Jubelag

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A suspected member of the Dawlah Islamiyah local terror group was killed in an anti-drug operation conducted by police and military operatives in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Tuesday, December 29.

Polomolok Police Chief Lt. Col. Alex Joe Orcajada identified the suspect as Noel Bagco, 50, who reportedly shot it out with an arresting team during a drug entrapment operation in Barangay Cannery, Polomolok town.

He said the suspect drew a handgun as the police undercover agent tried to arrest him after handing him a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, during the buy-bust operation.

Authorities seized several grams of shabu, and a .38 caliber revolver from the suspect.

Police tagged Bagco as a member of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Soccskargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City) Khatiba, a sub-group of the Dawlah-Islamiyah terror group operating in the region.

Authorities said the terror group, reportedly led by Jeoffrey Nilong, was tagged responsible for the 2018 bomb attack in the city which wounded eight people.

The terror group was also involved in the ambush-slay of two policemen in Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok last April 31, and the killing of P/Capt. Herman Gabat, Plomolok deputy police chief, in September 2017.

Last month, security forces launched law enforcement operations that resulted in the killing of four terror suspects, including the group’s key leader Arafat Bulacon, following a two-hour gunfight in Barangay Koronadal Proper, Polomolok.

Authorities said the suspects were also involved in carnapping, gun-for-hire and illegal drug trade as sources of their mobilization funds.

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