AT LEAST three suspected drug personalities were killed while a criminal gang member wanted for murder was arrested in separate police operations in Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City, early Friday, March 15.

Joint elements of Lala, Lanao del Norte town police and Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit simultaneously carried out a buy-bust operation and issuance of search warrant against Arnel and Rodante Albarado and Benson Dela Cerna, all residents of Simpak, Lala town.

But, the operation turned bloody when authorities killed the suspects after they all allegedly fought back during the operation.

Police said the suspects fired their guns toward the operating team forcing the operatives to return fire.

The suspects succumbed to gunshot wounds on their bodies and were brought to Kapatagan provincial hospital but they did not get there alive.

Investigators recovered a caliber 38 revolver, caliber 22 pistol, improvised rifle, bladed weapon (ice pick) and two knives.

In Cagayan de Oro City, a member of Minister criminal gang was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for murder at Mastersons Avenue, Upper Carmen.

The Lumbia town police nabbed 51 years old Ariston Bucona, resident of Dunggoan, Tignapoloan.

Police said the suspect has pending arrest warrant for murder, and complex crime of direct assault and multiple attempted homicide issued by separate local courts here.

The court allowed the suspect to post bail amounting to P12,000.

Police said the Minister gang are notorious for robbery hold up, gun-for-hire and other petty crimes.

Suspect is now detained at the jail facility of Lumbia Police Station.