6 killed, 3 hurt in Cotabato heist

COTABATO CITY , Philippines — Six persons including a police officer were killed following an alleged shootout with suspected robbers in M’lang, Cotabato on Tuesday afternoon.

S/Sgt. Rudy Amihan Jr. was declared dead on arrival in a hospital, according to Brig. Gen. Jamili Macaraig, chief of the Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos) police.

Amihan was among a team of police officers who exchanged fire with the robbers in Barangay Sangat.

The other fatalities include four suspects and a civilian, identified as Jack Gumilao.

Four others – Cpl. Noli Labesores, Pat. Herzon Neyra, and civilians  Tweeny Daza and Jose Patlubay – were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Reports said nine men on motorcycles robbed at gunpoint a bakery in nearby Barangay Bagontapay.

The suspects shot Daza, Gumilao and Patlubay for trying to stop them.

The robbers fled after taking the money and valuables of bakery owner Pompeo Jubelag Jr.

Pursuing officers of the M’lang police caught up with the suspects in Barangay Sangat.

The suspects shot the officers, triggering a firefight that resulted in the death of Amihan and their four cohorts.

Five others fled, leaving behind the cadavers of their companions.

Probers said they recovered a pistol from each of the slain robber. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva