ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two drug suspects were killed in a shootout with police in Barangay Semmut, Akbar, Basilan Tuesday, Aug. 23.
Police Col. Pedro Martirez Jr., Basilan police chief, said the suspects – Mascud Cuevas Sarael, of Bohe Lebbung, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, and Dasman Kilala of Barangay Bubuan, Tabuan Lasa, Basilan – fired at members of the Basilan Police Provincial Office Drug Enforcement Team.
Lawmen returned fire, killing the suspects.
Police recovered from the suspects 20 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P140,000, a .45 caliber pistol, and a pump boat.
Martirez said the suspects had been under close surveillance prior to the encounter.