Murder suspect killed as he grabbed cop’s pistol in police vehicle

COTABATO CITY, Maguindanao, Philippines — A man who was arrested for murder in Matanog town of Maguindanao on Saturday was killed as he tried to grab a police officer’s pistol while being transported to a police station.

The suspect, identified as Itek Cocoy, and two others were arrested in a 4 a.m. raid in his house in Matanog by a team of police officers and marines, Col. James Gulmatico, Bangsamoro regional chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), said in his report.

The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Kasan K. Abdulrakman of the Cotabato City Regional Trial Court Branch 27 for Cocoy and Manan Macarimbang.

However, when Cocoy sensed the approaching law enforcers, he fired upon them, triggering a 10-minute gunfight that left a certain Makasilang Abdulhazis injured, according to Gulmatico.

Abdulhazis was rushed to hospital while Cocoy, Macarimbang, and another person, Tingo Macasalong, were arrested.

While being transported to the police station, Cocoy allegedly grabbed the pistol of Pat. Michael John Irilis.

As the grappled for the weapon, Irilis managed to pull its trigger, hitting Cocoy in his body. He was rushed to a hospital but died along the way.

The middle finger of Irilis was slightly injured in the scuffle for the gun.

Police recovered from the suspects a Browning automatic rifle, a homemade M-79 grenade launcher, .38-caliber pistol, some ammunition, and an Army bandolier.

[atm]