5 gang members slain in North Cotabato ‘shootout’

MANILA, Philippines — A suspected leader and four members of a criminal gang were killed in an alleged shootout with Special Action Force (SAF) commandos in Tulunan, North Cotabato yesterday.

The clash occurred when SAF troopers were about to raid the hideout of Danny Cabakungan, alias Magnetic, in Barangay Dungos at around 5:35 a.m., SAF director Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas said in a Viber message.

Dimas said the Kidapawan City Regional Trial Court 15 issued the search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

“Upon determining the presence of operating troops, the suspects opened fire, which prompted the operating troops to retaliate,” he said.

There was no casualty among government forces.

Dimas said two other members of Cabakungan’s group, whom he did not identify, were arrested.

Several high-powered firearms, including an M16 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, a .50-caliber sniper rifle and an M79 grenade launcher were reportedly recovered in the raid.

Police said two hand grenades, a .45-caliber pistol, assorted bullets and two sachets of illegal drugs were also seized at the scene.

Dimas said Cabakungan was involved in gunrunning and gun-for-hire activities in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.

Cabakungan has reported links with the Hassan group of Dawlah Islamiya. – John Unson