A 40-year-old man was killed in a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the suspect identified as alias “Lacky” allegedly sold three sachets of suspected shabu to an undercover police operative.

When the transaction was consummated, the poseur buyer gave a signal, prompting the operating team to effect the arrest.

However, the suspect and his companion allegedly resisted arrest and opened fire despite the operatives identifying themselves as police officers and directing him to surrender peacefully.

The operating team was forced to return fire. The suspect sustained a gunshot wound and was brought to a hospital for treatment, but he died later.

PRO-BAR said the suspect’s companion escaped.

Investigators recovered sachets of suspected shabu worth more than P2 million, a caliber .45 pistol, ammunition, and fired cartridge cases, among others.

PRO-BAR Director Brigadier General Christopher Abecia lauded the operating team for their courage in carrying out the operation.

“Patuloy ang ating laban kontra illegal drugs, ngunit ito ay laging gagabayan ng batas, respeto sa karapatang pantao, at higit sa lahat, ng kapakanan at kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad. We will continue to work closely with our partners and our communities upang masiguro na ang Bangsamoro ay mananatiling ligtas at secure laban sa illegal drugs at iba pang criminal activities,” Abecia said.