Suspect in Matalam, Cotabato grenade attack dead in police op

The suspect behind the grenade attack in Matalam, Cotabato on New Year’s Day was killed in a hot pursuit operation, according to the municipal police on Friday.

In a statement, the Matalam Police identified the suspect as alias “Can.”

“The suspect resisted arrest and drew his short firearm and sporadically shot the arresting PNP personnel prompting the police to return fire,” the Matalam Police said.

He was brought to Babol General Hospital.

Recovered from the suspect at the scene were one .45 caliber pistol, one magazine, four fired cartridge cases of .45 caliber ammunition, and four fired cartridge cases of 5.56 caliber ammunition.

Upon searching the suspect’s body at the hospital, the police said they recovered a small plastic sachet containing suspected shabu worth around P1,360 as well as two improvised glass tubes.

Amid the New Year celebration, 22 people were injured after a grenade was thrown along the national highway in Barangay Dalapitan. They were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. 

Among those injured was a minor who sustained a wound to the leg.

Witnesses said the victims were watching motorcycles being revved up as noisemakers for the New year celebration when the incident happened.

Police said they were pursuing suspects believed to be riding in tandem. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News