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Cops neutralize suspect in Cotabato grenade attack

Philippines | Mindanao

Cops neutralize suspect in Cotabato grenade attack

By Keith Bacongco

DAVAO CITY – One of the suspects in the New Year’s Eve grenade throwing incident in Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam town, Cotabato province was killed in a police hot pursuit operation on Thursday evening, Jan. 1.

According to a report from the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, 22 persons were injured, 10 of them were minors.

Villagers were watching a pyrotechnics show along the road in Barangay Dalapitan when the suspects tossed a grenade in the middle of the gathering.

CPPO spokesperson Police Lt. James Warren Caang identified the suspect as Hammad Ansa, 40, who resisted arrest and fought it out with police officers in Barangay Kilada, also in Matalam.

Caang said Ansa fired at approaching police who returned fire and wounded the suspect.

Police recovered the .45 caliber pistol with ammunition.

The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

Police said they are conducting follow-operations against the other suspect and deeper probe on the motive behind the incident.

Matalam police chief Police Lt. Col. Arniel Melocotones had earlier said that the incident could be a diversionary tactic of a local drug syndicate.

Melocotones added that the grenade-throwing was meant to divert the police’s attention from an ongoing intensified anti-drug operation.

Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza has condemned the attack and directed the police to arrest the perpetrators.

Mendoza said violence has no place in the province.

“Those responsible should be brought before the bar of justice.”

The governor vowed to assist the victims of the incident.

Related Tags

Matalam Grenade explosion Deaths Cotabato

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