PHILIPPINE Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives reported the killing of the alleged mastermind behind the deaths of five operatives in 2018 during a shootout with authorities in Wao, Lanao del Sur.
Members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)- Iligan and Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) went to a secluded area in the municipality to supposedly arrest William Gandawali, who is also an incumbent barangay chairperson.
One policeman, meanwhile, was injured in the incident.
Gandawali, however, opened fire forcing the police to retaliate and kill him.
“Makikita sa video na naputukan ang mga agents natin kasama yung ibang counterparts natin and ang resulta, napatay itong si kapitan..si William. May mga wanted pa dyan, may mga kasamahan ito sa pag-ambush hindi tayo titigil hangga’t mahuli sila at mapanagot natin sa batas,” NBI Director Eric Distor said in John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras”.
Several firearms were recovered from the crime scene including one armalite, one M203 grenade launcher and live ammunition.
