7 men killed in Cotabato clash with cops, soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — Seven suspected members of an armed group were killed in a shootout with a composite military and police unit during a manhunt operation in Cotabato province.

Police said Thursday that the men were killed in Sitio Narea, Barangay Tumbras in Midsayap town at around 5a.m. on Wednesday. 

Among those killed was Mama Macalimbol, 35, who has a warrant of arrest for multiple frustrated murder. 

He is also the fourth most wanted person in Midsayap, police said.

Also killed in the operation was a certain Bidis Macarimbang. 

Police have yet to identify the five other casualties.

Authorities recovered several high-powered firearms and ammunition from the fatalities and were turned over to the Cotabato Provincial Crime Laboratory Office.

Police said the bodies of the suspects were already claimed by their families./gsg