2 cops killed by gunmen in North Cotabato

MANILA, Philippines—Two police officers were killed and another was injured after gunmen on board a car that they flagged down open fired at officers in North Cotabato Thursday morning, police said.

Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas, Cotabato police provincial director, said Highway Patrol Group officers were conducting checkpoint along the national highway in Barangay (village) Malasila in North Cotabato around 9:20 a.m. when they were fired upon by still unidentified number of suspects on board  a gray Kia bongo (JEJ 224) that was ordered to stop for an inspection.

“[The] vehicle stopped about 50 meters away then several armed men open fired,” Salinas said.

Police Officer 3 Rufino Sumugat and Police Officer 1 Raul Pablo were killed while Senior Police Officer 2 Ponciano Pahkiat sustained injuries, he said.

Salinas said the suspects left their vehicle and fled on foot and government troops were sent to chase them.