A man was killed while four others were arrested after anti-narcotics agents dismantled a suspected drug den during a sting operation in Malidegao, Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM).

The buy-bust operation was carried out by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-BARMM) and military troops in Barangay Nabundas on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

PDEA-BARMM said the target of the operation identified as alias “Ola” allegedly fired at the operating team, which resulted in a firefight that lasted for about 20 minutes.

During the clearing operation, authorities found Ola wounded and was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Authorities also arrested four people who were allegedly caught in the act of having a pot session inside Ola’s house, which he allegedly maintained as a drug den.

They were identified as alias “Gapor,” 32, “Edward,” 34, “Mata,” 19, and “Butsokoy,” 45.

Seized during the operation were sachets of suspected shabu worth around P136,000, drug paraphernalia, a caliber 7.65 pistol, ammunition, and personal belongings.

The suspects arrested are now detained and will face charges for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).