4 ‘terrorists’ killed in Mindanao shootout

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A suspected leader of terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya wanted for bomb attacks and other atrocities was killed along with his three followers in an alleged shootout with government security forces in Sultan Mastura, Maguindanao del Norte on Friday.

Yusa Ganoy and his men reportedly drew their guns and opened fire at a joint team of the police and the Navy who were about to serve warrants for his arrest at his hideout in Barangay Tapayan.

The arresting team composed of agents of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and personnel of the Navy’s 1st Marine Brigade as well as the Bangsamoro police retaliated, triggering a firefight that lasted several minutes.

Ganoy and his men, whose identities were not immediately available, died at the scene of the firefight.

Bangsamoro police director Gen. Christopher Abecia said Ganoy and his followers were known for harassing and extorting money from residents and local businessmen.

The suspect had been facing charges of terrorism, multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, arson, drug trafficking and extortion in different courts in Maguindanao del Sur.

Police said Ganoy was the fourth most wanted man in the province, and was behind bomb attacks in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

The arresting team recoered an assault rifle, three .45-caliber pistols and an improvised explosive device from the suspects.

Reports said residents helped the team locate Ganoy and his followers. — Emmanuel Tupas