Suspected bomber killed in Lamitan shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A suspected bomber was killed in a shootout with the police forces Tuesday night in a village of Lamitan City, Basilan, according to security official.

Chief Inspector Gean Gallardo identified the slain suspect as Haji Jabier Pinglias, who had a standing warrant of arrest issued by the Basilan court.

The police suspected Pinglias as the person behind the planting of improvised bombs in different areas in Lamitan City.

Gallardo said his forces with the police commandos from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) were out to serve the warrant to Pinglias about 7:20 p.m. Tuesday at Sitio Tinambakan, Barangay Maganda.

However, the suspect reportedly withdrew his hand gun from his belt bag and fired at the arresting police forces, which triggered the shootout.

Gallardo said they were able to neutralize the suspect during the brief exchange of firefight.

The suspect, who was hit several times, was rushed to the nearby Lamitan District Hospital but was declared dead by the attending physician.

The police forces recovered from the suspect a caliber .45 pistol loaded with ammunition, ice pick, two plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, suspected parts of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and a cellphone battery with electrical wires attached to a circuit board.

Gallardo said investigation is ongoing to determine the suspect’s background and possible connection with the Abu Sayyaf group.