3 GenSan bombing suspects killed

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Army troopers killed three suspects in the April 21 bombing here during an encounter yesterday in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu, Southern Command chief, said Army troopers belonging to the 57th infantry battalion were informed by concerned citizens about the presence in Barangay Sapalan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, of armed men who reportedly carried out the bombings in General Santos City.

He said that a 30-minute battle took place starting at about 5 a.m., resulting in the killing of the still unidentified men.

"The killing of the three suspects was the result of the government’s continuing drive against terrorists in Mindanao," Cimatu told The STAR.

The government drive has already led to the arrest of 12 suspected terrorists, including five bombing suspects and three alleged members of the notorious Pentagon group. — John Paul Jubelag