FOUR crime suspects were killed in a police shootout, while nine others were arrested in simultaneous raids in three different areas in Davao del Norte on Saturday.
Nine search warrants were served in the towns of Asuncion and Sto. Tomas and Tagum City, all in Davao del Norte, through the joint operation dubbed as "Oplan Big Berta, Paglalansag Omega, Salikop, and Clean Sweep," an intensified campaign against criminal activities in the province such as illegal drugs, loose firearms and explosives, and carnapping.
The operation was initiated by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Davao in line with its special project "One-Time-Big-Time," in coordination with Police Regional Office, Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Highway Patrol Group.
CIDG-Davao Director Joel Pernito said authorities arrested nine suspects, while four others were killed after resisting arrest.
Those killed were Abil Nasser, 39, of Asuncion; Hanron Saumay Sultan, of Sto. Tomas; Reynaldo Baquiran, 38; and Marven Padua, both of Tagum City.
Pernito said the slain victims were leaders and members of the Sultan Criminal Gang allegedly involved in illegal drug trade, Nasser Gunrunning Group, and Baquiran Gun-For-Hire and Illegal Drug Trade Group that are all unlisted.
Arrested were Allan Bagnaan, 31, Erick and Rodel Cabiling, all of Sto. Tomas; Elvis Estrada, 41, Melchona Padua, 33, Roy Apao, 33, Mesael Obeso, and Renmarlie Durano, 18, of Tagum City; and Ramlah Nasser, of Asuncion.
The raid, Pernito said, started at 4:30 a.m. Saturday following the search warrants issued by Judge Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Panabo City, and Judge Virginia Tejano-Ang of Tagum RTC.
Recovered from the suspects were three caliber .45 pistols, one .9mm pistol, one 357 revolver, one caliber .22 revolver, two caliber .38 revolver, one hand grenade and three live ammunitions for a 40mm.
The operatives also seized some 240 grams of suspected shabu worth around P1.687 million, seven grams of dried marijuana leaves and one seedling, and P48,700 in cash.
Also recovered from the raids were two undocumented motorcycles and four assorted four-wheel vehicles believed to be used in drug transaction and other illegal activities of the suspects.
Pernito said the suspects and recovered evidence were brought to DNPPO for booking and documentation, while the undocumented motorcycles and vehicles were turned over to HPG for proper disposition.
"The police are already preparing the documents for the filing of charges against these suspects," Pernito said, adding that the unit will continue to implement its campaign against the illegal activities in Davao Region.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of the Republic Act 10591 or The Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, and Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.