3 slain in Cotabato ‘shootout’

COTABATO CITY , Philippines —  Three people including a man wanted for motorcycle theft and illegal drugs were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers in Matalam, Cotabato yesterday morning.

The suspect, identified as Ian Manial, and his two companions allegedly shot the officers who were about to serve a warrant for his arrest in Barangay Kilada.

The officers retaliated, killing Manial and his companions at the scene.

Probers said the arresting team recovered firearms near the bodies of the fatalities.

Manial, who had been wanted for more than 10 criminal cases pending in different courts in Cotabato, was allegedly a known supplier of shabu and marijuana in Matalam and nearby towns.