Alleged mastermind of General Santos bombing dies as he resisted arrest: police

October 23, 2018

The alleged leader of a bomb attack last September 16 in General Santos City where eight people were injured was shot dead as he fought back against security forces trying to serve a warrant , authorities said Tuesday.

Police said Bassir Sahak, said to lead the  Islamic State-inspired Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines (AKP), was killed when he resisted arrest on October 22 in Maasim, Sarangani province, according to regional police director Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco.

Initial investigation showed Sahak and his father Kupang were in their home in the village of Daliao when police tried to serve a warrant but the duo fired at them. Sahak was killed but his father escaped.

Rasco said Sahak managed the AKP's funds and procurement of the weapons and ammunition.

“He was the direct point man of the Abu Sayyaf,” Rasco said, adding  M-16 bullets and bomb components, were recovered from his home. DMS