SAF member, 2 suspects killed in Indanan gunrunning clash

A member of the Special Action Force (SAF) and two suspects were killed after the police troopers came under heavy gunfire during a law enforcement operation in Indanan, Sulu, early Wednesday morning.

According to Jun Veneracion's Thursday report on "24 Oras," the firefight erupted when police forces entered a community in Indanan, Sulu, to serve a search warrant against three brothers allegedly involved in gunrunning activities.

The suspects reportedly opened fire as the troops approached, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire.

One SAF trooper, identified as Police Corporal Albasheer Lumalag, was killed in action, while one of his companions was injured.

Two suspects were killed during the encounter, and two others were arrested, police said.

“Heavy po ang firefight kaya nga po tayo ay nawalan ng kasama. Binawian ng buhay,” said Police Major Helen Cruz, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) spokesperson.

(The firefight was intense, which is why we lost one of our men. He was killed in action.)

She added that the suspects were part of an alleged emerging drug group.

Authorities also recovered high-caliber firearms during their encounter. –NB, GMA Integrated News