TWO “lawless elements” were killed in a shootout with government troops manning a checkpoint in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur, the military reported yesterday.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) named the slain suspects as Muhamadin Salim, 24; and Manan Udza, 27, residents of Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao del Sur.
Westmincom spokesman Lt. Col. Abdurasad Sirajan said soldiers and policemen flagged down the motorcycle of the two individuals, who he said were acting suspiciously, at a checkpoint in Barangay Elian at around 11:25 a.m. last Saturday.
“Instead of submitting themselves for inspection, the tandem drove off their motorcycle but they were blocked by the troops manning the checkpoint,” said Sirajan.
Sirajan said the two opened fire at the troops who returned fire, leading to the death of the two. Their bodies were claimed by their relatives several hours after the incident.
Troops seized from the suspects a cal. 45 pistol, an improvised explosive device, and their red Honda XRM motorcycle.
