Military verifying reports Basit Usman killed in Maguindanao

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is verifying reports that Filipino bomb-maker Basit Usman, one of the high-value targets in the Mamasapano anti-terror operation last January 25, was killed in Maguindanao before noon on Sunday.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala told GMA News Online they received information from their assets saying Usman was shot dead in Guindulungan town.

"Kasalakuyan pang bine-verify ng 6th Iinfantry Division ang impormasyong ito," Kakilala said.

For her part, Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) spokesperson Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela said they have not received any information on Usman's death.

On Saturday, Malacañang said government authorities were verifying reports Usman had been wounded in an encounter in the Lanao area.

"We have received reports saying he was wounded in an encounter. We are in the process of confirming this," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. — LBG, GMA News