Troops shoot alleged bomb courier at checkpoint in Cotabato

January 11, 2019

Government troops shot an alleged bomb courier in a shootout in Cotabato City last Wednesday, a military spokesman said Friday Capt. Arvin Encinas, Army's 6th Infantry Division spokesman, said the unidentified suspect was riding a motorcycle, when he was flagged down at a checkpoint established by troops in the vicinity of Cotabato City East Diversion Road, Brgy Tamontaka 2 around 10 pm. “When the troops approached to check him, he refused to yield, but he drew a pistol and fired several rounds that led to a brief shoot out resulting to the wounding of the suspect,” he said. The suspect was brought to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival by a doctor. Encinas said based on initial investigation the suspect was transporting  “anti-personnel mines” when he was flagged down by government forces. The bombs were recovered by authorities inside the U-box of the suspect’s motorcycle while they were processing the crime scene. “Explosive ordnance disposal team of  PNP (Philippine National Police) immediately conducted safety procedure and recovered the component of one unexploded ordnance of 81mm mortar as main charge with two cell phones,” he said. Encinas said authorities also recovered a caliber .45 pistol loaded with ammunition, personal belongings, cash amounting to P 5,700, and one black Honda motorcycle from the suspect. He also noted that based on latest report  police are trying to verify the identity of the suspect. Following the incident, 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Cirilito Sobejana assures the people government forces will always ensure peace and order. “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 the guard to preserve the peace and order in our area of responsibility,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS