Wanted terrorist, cohort killed in clash

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Police and soldiers shot dead Anwar Sansawi Usman, a remnant of the defunct Dawlah Islamiya, and his henchman in a brief shootout in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur yesterday.

Police said Usman was wanted for multiple murder and frustrated murder, armed robbery, arson and drug trafficking.

He and his accomplice, identified only as Syok, died during the shootout in Barangay Kapinpilan.

Capt. Steffie Salanguit, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police spokesperson, said a team from the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office led by Col. John Mangahis were out to serve 13 warrants of arrest at Usman’s hideout in Sitio Bliss.

Usman and Syok reportedly opened fire at the law enforcers.

The operation was assisted by personnel from different units of the regional police office and the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division.

Some residents in Kapinpilan had sought police assistance after Usman’s group reportedly extorted money from them.

The residents also provided law enforcers with information on Usman’s location.

A police report said Usman had also been selling shabu and marijuana in the town.