MAGUING, Lanao del Sur — A suspected drug dealer was killed after allegedly opening fire on police officers during a buy-bust operation that led to the seizure of approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱2.04 million in Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, on August 19, 2026.
The operation was conducted by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RDEU PRO BAR) as the lead unit, in coordination with the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Special Operations Group, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Maguing Municipal Police Station, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Company of Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-A.
Authorities identified the slain suspect as Naser Boriongan Badron, alias “Laky,” 40, a resident of Barangay Balintao, Maguing.
According to the police account, Badron allegedly offered three knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu in exchange for ₱400,000.
The operation was conducted under PDEA Pre-Operation Coordination No. 15-00-08192026-012 and TIP No. A-2026-09-BAR-RDEU.
Suspect allegedly opened fire during arrest
Police said the transaction was successfully completed after a police poseur-buyer handed over the pre-arranged payment and gave the signal to the waiting arresting team.
As officers moved to arrest the suspects, however, Badron and an unidentified male companion allegedly resisted and produced firearms despite being identified as police operatives and being ordered to surrender peacefully.
According to authorities, Badron allegedly fired at the operating personnel, prompting the police team to return fire in response to what they described as an immediate and active threat.
Badron sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately transported to Tamparan District Hospital for medical treatment. He was later pronounced dead by the attending physician.
His unidentified male companion managed to flee the area.
Police subsequently launched a pursuit operation, but the fleeing suspect remained at large as of the latest report.
Police recover drugs, firearm and other evidence
Authorities recovered approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱2,040,000, from the operation.
Also recovered were:
- A Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol, Serial No. M7884;
- One magazine with ammunition;
- Four fired cartridge cases believed to be .45 caliber;
- The buy-bust money, consisting of one genuine ₱1,000 bill placed on top of four bundles of boodle money;
- One OPPO mobile phone;
- One driver’s license; and
- One brown sling bag.
Police said the suspected illegal drugs were inventoried, marked and documented at the place of seizure in the presence of insulating witnesses.
The seized drugs and other pieces of evidence will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit BAR for laboratory examination and proper disposition.
The Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) Team of the Lanao del Sur Police Forensic Unit was also requested to process the encounter site, including the recovery and documentation of physical evidence related to the reported exchange of gunfire.
Police leadership commends operating units
PCOL Caezar P. Cabuhat, Provincial Director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, commended the participating units for their coordinated operation and their continued efforts against illegal drug activities in the province.
PBGEN Christopher M. Abecia, Regional Director of PRO BAR, likewise praised the operating personnel for what he described as their commitment and courage in carrying out the operation.
Abecia reiterated the regional police office’s resolve to intensify efforts against illegal drugs and protect communities across the Bangsamoro from their destructive effects.
The operation underscores the continuing law-enforcement campaign against the trafficking and distribution of dangerous drugs in Lanao del Sur, while the circumstances surrounding the reported exchange of gunfire remain subject to standard police investigation and forensic examination.