2 suspected members of ISIS-inspired group killed in Tacurong, twin bombings hit Maguindanao

SOCO team conducts investigation after the killing of two suspected members of an ISIS-inspired group. Photo: PNP

COTABATO CITY – Two alleged members of an ISIS-inspired group were killed in a shootout with law enforcers in Tacurong City at 2 a.m. Monday.

Superintendent Aldrin Gonzalez, information chief of Police Regional Office-12, said the suspects on-board a gray multicab  evaded a checkpoint in Barangay Kenram in Isulan town and headed toward Tacurong City.

According to Gonzales the suspects opened fire at the police manning the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 at Barrio Dos, Tacurong City, where they were informed about the possible exit of the suspects.

This prompted the joint security forces to chase the suspects until they were cornered at Kapingkong Road in Tacurong City where a firefight ensued resulting in the death of the still unidentified suspects.

A heightened alert was earlier imposed in the province after officials received reliable information that suspected bombers are planning an attack, or might plant a bomb in the ongoing Kalimudan festival in Sultan Kudarat province.

Recovered items from the crime scene were: One (1) ISIS Flag; One (1) 9mm berretta pistol bearing the name of the PNP; One (1) KG9 pistol; assorted ammunition;  one (1) unit of Improvised Explosive Device, which successfully detonated by the Sultan Kudarat EOD Team; cellphone parts; and one (1) piece 9 volts battery and parts of blasting cap.

The car registration of the vehicle of the suspects was found registered in Maguindanao, but police did not reveal more details.

Meanwhile, in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao two explosions wounded one military personnel as an improvised explosive device went off at the side of national highway in Barangay Labu-Labu.

Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Army Division, said the first explosion war recorded at around 6 a.m. and was followed by a second explosion at around 6:30 am.

This prompted the military personnel to close the national highway for hours to pave way for the clearing operation and to secure the motorists. —LDF, GMA News