PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The incoming barangay chairman of Mangsee Island in Balabac town, southern Palawan, was killed following an arrest operation carried out by anti-illegal drug operatives early Friday.
Pisto Hamja, one of two barangay officials in Palawan whose names were in a narco list disclosed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Mimaropa last April 30, was shot dead at 3 a.m. after allegedly shooting it out with the operatives sent to arrest him.
A military source, who requested anonymity as he is not authorized to disclose details, said Hamja fought back using a 9-mm. pistol after the operatives issued him the search warrant.
The military source said the suspect was hit on the chest.
Hamja was supposed to sit as captain of Mangsee Island on July 1. The other barangay official included in the drug list is Anthony Clifford Pe, former chairman of Poblacion 3, Coron.
The operatives were from the PDEA, the Palawan Police, the Balabac Municipal Police, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and Marine Battalion Landing Team 4. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
