MANILA, Philippines – Two suspected members of a local terrorist group were killed in an encounter with the police in Polomolok, South Cotabato on Tuesday.
PNP Chief Debold M. Sinas, in a statement on Wednesday, identified the two slain suspects as Jourhan Palalisan Utap and Mohaimen Palalisan Utap.
A report from Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 regional director Police Brigadier General Michael John Dubria said the suspects are active members of the terrorist group Dawlah Islamiya-Socsargen Khatiba under Ali Boy Nilong.
Sinas said elements of the PNP Special Action Force and PRO-12 operatives were about to a warrant for the arrest of Jourhan when he and his younger brother Mohaimen allegedly resisted, triggering a brief shootout in Sitio Bio, Purok 4, Barangay Lapu. Both suspects were declared dead by attending physicians at the Polomolok Municipal Hospital.
Recovered by police from the suspects were a caliber .45 pistol, a caliber .357 revolver, and five small plastic sachets of shabu.
Police said Jourhan Utap is facing a case for illegal possession of firearms before the Polomolok, South Cotabato Regional Trial Court Branch 62 with a warrant for his arrest issued by Judge Allan Edwin B Boncavil dated December 2, 2020.