PNP probes identities of 3 alleged suicide bombers killed in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has deployed investigators to identify the suspected suicide bombers who were killed in an armed encounter with authorities in Sulu.

“Kaagad din naman magresponde [at] ma-imbestigahan ang nangyayari. Tayo ay nagpadala ng Scene of the Crime Operatives [SOCO] na kaagad ma-examine ang kanilang identities,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in an interview with reporters in Camp Crame.

[The PNP immediately responded to investigate the incident. We deployed SOCO operatives who will examine their identities.]

Banac was referring to the three alleged suicide bombers – two Egyptians and a Filipino – who were killed by government forces in Indanan, Sulu on Tuesday.

READ: Suspected suicide bombers – 2 Egyptians, 1 Filipino – killed in Sulu

Banac said a “suicide bomb vest” was recovered at the scene of the armed encounter.

Asked if the presence of suicide bombers will trigger adjustments in security precautions, Banac assured the public that government forces are implementing a “high level of security” in Western Mindanao.

The PNP will continue to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to combat terrorist threats in the country, Banac added.  /muf