BANISILAN, COTABATO — One suspect was killed while over a million pesos worth of suspected shabu were confiscated during a joint police operation in Sitio Kinamuran, Barangay Pantar, Banisilan, Cotabato, early morning on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Authorities identified the slain suspect as Jannal Lao, 30, a resident of Marawi City, who was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after reportedly engaging the police in a gunfight during the implementation of a search warrant.
According to the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO), the operation targeted six alleged high-value individuals (HVIs) linked to illegal drugs, firearms, and explosives. The suspects were identified as Zenaida Lao Tidong, alias “Madam Auring”; Medalya Sultan Tidong, alias “Kumander Tanda”; Wawie Mananpen Sultan, alias “Wawi Tidong”; Minsu Pagumping Sultan, alias “MRA”; Jack Capatoy Sultan, alias “Tata Tidong”; and Mark Kasam Abad, alias “Koko.”
Police reports stated that one of the suspects opened fire on the approaching operatives, prompting law enforcers to retaliate. The exchange resulted in Lao’s death.
Recovered from the operation were more than 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱1,366,800, several firearms and ammunition, and rifle grenades. Authorities also discovered several chop-chop motorcycles, believed to have been stolen, inside one of the targeted houses.
One suspect, identified as alias “Koko,” was arrested on-site, while the remaining targets, including Madam Auring, Kumander Tanda, Wawi Tidong, and MRA, managed to escape and are now the subject of a manhunt.
The joint operation was led by CPPO and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU-12), with the support of PNP-SAF, RMFB-12, RIU-12, HPG-12, and PDEA-12.
Authorities are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine whether the group is connected to a larger drug and criminal network operating in the region.
Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying operations against illegal drugs, unlicensed firearms, and armed groups in Cotabato and nearby areas.