Bomber slain in Lamitan shootout

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A suspected bomber was killed in a shootout with police in Lamitan City, Basilan on Tuesday night, an official said yesterday.

Haji Jabier Pinglias fired at the members of the Regional Public Safety Battalion and Provincial Public Safety Company who were out to serve a warrant for his arrest in Sitio Tinambakan in Barangay Maganda, said Chief Inspector Gean Gallardo. Pinglias was accused of planting bombs in the city.

The suspect was declared dead on arrival at the Lamitan District Hospital.

A loaded .45 caliber pistol, an ice pick, two sachets containing suspected shabu and a mobile phone battery with electrical wires attached to a circuit board were recovered at the scene.

Gallardo said an investigation is underway to determine the suspect’s connection with the Abu Sayyaf.

Meanwhile, government troops recovered various firearms and ammunition suspected to be owned by Abu Sayyaf bandits during a clearing operation in Luuk, Sulu on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said members of the 35th Infantry Battalion discovered the guns in an abandoned hut in Barangay Guimbaon.