5 robbery suspects die in firefight with soldiers, CAFGU in Maguindanao
Five armed men were shot dead by soldiers and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel who responded in a robbery incident in Ampatuan, Maguindanao over the weekend, the military reported Monday, Feb. 21.



The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said ground troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion received a report from concerned citizens about a robbery incident at a convenience store with an eatery in Barangay Kauran on Saturday evening, Feb. 19.
The soldiers and CAFGU personnel from Kauran Advance Post immediately responded and set up a checkpoint in the area.
At the checkpoint, the soldiers and CAFGU men encountered the suspects who were onboard a minivan.
A military report said the suspects fired shots towards the troops which sparked a five-minute gun battle.
All five suspects inside the minivan ended up dead, the military said.
However, the identities of the slain suspects have yet to be confirmed by the authorities.
Also recovered from the suspects were two caliber .45 pistols, empty magazines, and the minivan believed to be used as their getaway vehicle.
It was not clear whether the robbery suspects were able to cart away money or other valuables from the convenience store.
Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of WestMinCom, vowed to intensify the military’s tactical operations against lawless elements.