Suspected drug dealer killed in joint operation in Zambo del Norte

• Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/26/18/suspected-drug-dealer-killed-in-joint-operation-in-zambo-del-norte
• Wednesday, March 28, 2018

By RJ Rosalado (ABS-CBN News)

A suspected drug dealer was killed in a joint law enforcement operation of police and military in the village of Doña Cecilia, in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, Sunday.

Based on a report of the Western Mindanao Command, the suspect, Julhadi Amil, was on the list of drug personalities operating in Sirawai town.

A local court had issued a search warrant against Amil, which the police and military immediately served early Sunday morning.

However, the police and military were met by heavy gunfire a few meters before reaching the target area where Amil was believed to be hiding.

The exchanged of gunfire resulted in the death of Amil.

At least six small sachets of suspected illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia were found on Amil.

Also recovered were a grenade and two firearms—a KG9 submachine gun and a caliber .45 pistol.

Major General Roseller Murillo, commander of Joint Task Force Zampelan, assured that all his military units would continue to partner with other law enforcement agencies in a bid to execute the law.

Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim said there are still other drug personalities linked to Amil’s operation targeted by local authorities.

He said he strongly supports these law enforcement operations, especially against illegal drugs in his town, amid rumors linking his name to the illegal drug trade.

Janihim was among the local officials in Mindanao included in the narco-list of President Rodrigo Duterte.

However, Janihim said he has long been cleared by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, although he failed to show official documents to back his claim.