2 suspects killed, 181 kilos of shabu seized in Bacoor anti-drug op

Two suspects were killed in an anti-illegal drug operation in Bacoor, Cavite, that also netted 181 kilos of shabu, according to John Consulta's report on Unang Balita on Friday.

The suspects were identified as Basher Bangon, who allegedly ran the illegal drug warehouse, and Danilo Untavar.

In a statement, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said the buy-bust operation was conducted in Molino 3, Bacoor against Bangon and Untavar around 9:30 p.m.

During the transaction, the suspect allegedly fired at the operatives, resulting in an armed encounter that led to their death.

"Supposedly isu-supply itong mga nakuha natin sa Mindanao [These drugs were supposed to be sent to Mindanao," said PDEA director general Wilkins Villanueva, who visited the scene.

"Ang nakuha natin ngayon talaga ay big fish, sila talaga yung main player na nagpapasok ng droga sa ating bansa [We're getting the big fish, the main players in bringing illegal drugs to the country]," he added.

Police Major General Vic Danao, chief of the National Capital Region Police, said the illegal drugs "could be used by other groups to finance their activities" related to the 2022 elections.

The PDEA said Bangon is a top-level drug personality and the leader of the Basher Drug Group, who has contact with Chinese drug syndicates,  and whose main markets are in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.

Villanueva, meanwhile, warned suspects that they will be killed if they fight it out with law enforcers.

"Hindi kami papayag na kami ang mamatay, mauna kayo bago kami [We will not allow ourselves to be killed]," he said. —with Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA News