Bomb courier neutralized in a shootout with troops

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao ---Joint elements of the 5th SF Battalion and Cotabato City Police Office neutralized a bomb courier in a shootout last January 9 in the evening at the Cotabato City East Diversion Road, Barangqay Tamontaka 2. who is transporting an “Anti-Personnel Mines.”

The suspect, riding a motorcycle and transporting an “anti personnel mines,” was flagged down at a check point by the government troops as he acted suspicious while approaching the checkpoint.

When the troops approached to check him, he refused to yield, but

instead drew a pistol and fired several rounds that led to a brief shoot-out resulting to the wounding of the suspect.

The suspect was immediately brought to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Found in the suspect’s possession were calibre .45 pistol loaded with ammunitions, personal belongings, cash amounting to P5,700, and a black Honda motorcycle.

In the course of processing the crime scene, one suspected “anti-personnel mine” was found inside the U-box of the suspect’s motorcycle.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team of the PNP immediately conducted safety procedure and recovered the component of the unexploded ordnance of 81mm mortar as main charge with two cell phones.

“The vigilance of our troops in securing Cotabato City and its residents is very commendable and worthy of emulation. We would like to reassure the public that your military and police forces will always be on guard to preserve the peace and order in our area of responsibility,”  6th Infantry Division commander Maj.Gen. CirilitoSobejana said.

The identity of the suspect is still to be verified (as of this posting) by the investigation team of the PNP. (ODPA, 6th ID – MINDANAO EXPOSE’)