Suspect in Cotabato grenade attack killed in hot pursuit

One of the motorcycle-riding suspects in the grenade attack in Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam, Cotabato, that injured at least 22 people, was killed during hot pursuit on Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Police identified the suspect as alias Canunay Ansa, a resident of Barangay Kilada.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly resisted arrest and fired his gun at the operating team, prompting them to return fire.

The suspect was hit and died during the exchange of fire.

Recovered from the scene were a caliber .45 pistol and fired cartridge cases from a caliber .45 pistol and an M16 rifle.

Operatives are hunting down the driver of the motorcycle, as of this writing.

Based on the investigation, the victims were watching motorcycles revving their engines to celebrate the New Year around midnight when the suspects approached and hurled the grenade at the crowd.

The individuals injured, most of whom were minors, were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

At least 22 people were injured after a grenade thrown by motorcycle-riding suspects went off during the New Year celebration in Barangay Dalapitan.

The explosion stirred residents who were welcoming the New Year around midnight.

The individuals injured were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

According to the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, the majority of those wounded were minors.

The uploader of the video added that the victims were watching motorcycles revving their engines to celebrate the New Year when the explosion happened.

Investigators said the motorcycle-riding suspects approached the area and hurled the grenade at the crowd.

The provincial government condemned the incident.

It assured the public that immediate assistance would be provided to the victims and that it would work closely with authorities to ensure that those behind this incident are identified and held accountable. –GMA Regional TV