SHARIFF AGUAK, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A drug suspect was killed after allegedly firing at police officers who were pursuing him following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday night, September 3, 2026.
Police identified the suspect as Abubakar Salazar, alias “Kubak,” who was the subject of an operation conducted at about 8:30 p.m. by personnel of the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station (SAMPS), in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PIU-MDSPPO), Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) of Maguindanao del Sur, Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (RIU15), and Regional Intelligence Division of Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RID PRO BAR).
The operation was carried out pursuant to PDEA BARMM Pre-Operations No. 15-00-09032026-014 for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act; and the Omnibus Election Code in relation to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.
According to police, the buy-bust transaction was successfully consummated before Salazar allegedly attempted to escape.
As pursuing operatives moved to apprehend him, the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and fired toward the officers.
Police said the operatives responded with what they described as necessary force to address the immediate threat, hitting Salazar and causing him to sustain gunshot wounds.
He was immediately brought to the nearest hospital for medical attention but was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician.
Suspected shabu, firearm recovered
Authorities said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 53.60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of ₱365,908.
Police also recovered one caliber .45 pistol, including its magazine and ammunition, as well as fired cartridge cases and other items considered relevant to the investigation.
The seized items were subjected to an inventory in the presence of Hon. Waledainah L. Usop, an elected official, and Ms. Baimamot U. Ampatuan, who was identified as a media representative.
The presence of witnesses during the inventory is part of the documentation process for evidence seized during the operation.
Police records link suspect to other alleged crimes
Police records cited by authorities reportedly identified Salazar as an individual allegedly involved in illegal drug activities and linked him to several robbery and theft incidents within Shariff Aguak.
Authorities also said he had previously been arrested and detained in connection with a drug-related case.
These allegations, however, remain matters of police records and investigation unless established in court.
The incident is expected to be further documented as authorities process the recovered drugs, firearm, ammunition, and other evidence gathered during the operation.
Police vow intensified campaign
The Shariff Aguak police and their partner law enforcement units said the operation forms part of their continuing campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and other criminal activities in the municipality.
The operation also comes amid the enforcement of the COMELEC gun ban, under which the possession and carrying of firearms and other regulated weapons may be subject to restrictions during the election period.
Authorities said the joint operation demonstrates their continuing efforts to strengthen law enforcement and maintain peace and security in Shariff Aguak.
The death of Salazar followed an armed confrontation during an anti-drug operation, according to police. Further investigation and the processing of the recovered evidence are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire and the suspect’s death.