COTABATO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 21, 2014) – Seven people were killed in a shootout early Friday between suspected drug pushers and policemen in Davao City in southern Philippines.
Police forces were to serve warrants to search houses allegedly used as drug dens in the village of Ilang when gunmen attacked them, sparking a firefight that killed seven people, believed to be involved in illegal drugs trade.
More than two dozen people in the area were also arrested or taken into custody by the authorities on suspicion they were either selling or using drugs. Several firearms and drugs – shabu – were also recovered in the area.
Police mounted an investigation to determine who were behind the dens or those supplying drugs in the village. It was unknown if any drug dealers or gang leaders were among those arrested, but the area has been long under surveillance by agents.
The operation was carried out by members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Davao City Police Office, and Philippine Maritime Police.
Local mayor Rodrigo Duterte has previously warned drug dealers and criminals to get out of Davao City or face arrest and even be killed if they fight authorities. Residents have been actively supporting Duterte’s campaign to rid the city of criminal elements and drug gangs. (Mindanao Examiner)
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