Cotabato City, Philippines – In a high-stakes anti-drug operation early on October 30, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), in coordination with the military and local police, seized PHP 1,054,000 worth of shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) in Wao, Lanao del Sur.
The operation, which commenced around 6:00 a.m., targeted Salman Ontawar Mundas, also known as “Alyas Baulo,” and led to the confiscation of a substantial quantity of illegal drugs along with various drug paraphernalia. Mundas is reportedly a significant figure in the regional drug trade, according to PDEA officials.
As the operatives approached the premises in Barangay Kili Kili East, they encountered immediate resistance from unidentified individuals who opened fire on the enforcement team. The ensuing gunfight lasted approximately two hours, with heavy gunfire exchanged between the suspects and the operatives. Despite the intensity of the confrontation, Mundas and his associates managed to escape.
Director Castro of PDEA-BARMM, who personally oversaw the raid, commended the collaborative efforts of all units involved, including elements from the 103rd Brigade, 9th Scout Ranger Company, 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, Bravo Company of the 55th Infantry Battalion, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Wao Municipal Police Station. “This successful operation is a testament to our dedication to law enforcement and public safety. Together, we are committed to removing illegal drugs from our communities,” Castro stated.
The search and seizure operations yielded three heat-sealed sachets of shabu, an additional knot-tied plastic containing the substance, various plastic bags, a weighing scale, drug paraphernalia, financial records, and personal identification documents. Authorities believe the confiscated items will provide valuable insights into the illegal activities conducted by Mundas and his group.
Despite the suspects’ escape, PDEA-BARMM and allied forces have vowed to continue their efforts to curb the drug trade in Lanao del Sur, while ongoing investigations and search operations seek to bring Mundas and his accomplices to justice.
