Two drug suspects who were part of the group that escaped from the jail facility of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Zamboanga City in May 2024 were recaptured during a manhunt operation that led to an armed encounter in Sulu.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) identified the two as alias “Tulo” and alias “Abubasar.”

The two allegedly opened fire when authorities arrived, prompting the latter to retaliate.

The suspects sustained injuries during the exchange of fire and were brought to the hospital.

Confiscated from the suspects were a caliber .45 caliber pistol, a magazine with ammunition, and an M1 Garand rifle.

CIDG said the two were wanted for multiple charges, including violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

CIDG added that the suspects arrested were allegedly involved in large-scale illegal drug operations.

Alias “Tulo” was implicated in a major drug bust on May 2, 2024, which resulted in the confiscation of suspected shabu worth over P145 million.

Alias “Abubasar,” on the other hand, was arrested with suspected shabu worth around P1.9 million in a separate operation on March 2, 2024.

"Their capture marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to dismantle high-profile criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking in the region. The CIDG remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of communities by neutralizing criminal threats,” CIDG Acting Director, Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, said.