POLICE authorities have killed a suspected bomber in a shootout and seized bomb-making components in Zamboanga del Norte province, an official said Saturday, July 21, 2018.

Chief Superintendent Edwin De Ocampo, deputy regional director for administration (DRDA) of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula, identified the slain suspected bomber as Benhar Muksan alias Bin-Bin.

De Ocampo said Muksan was killed in a shootout around 6 p.m. Thursday at Sitio Tabuk Suba in the village of Poblacion West, Salug, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said the shootout ensued after Muksan pulled a handgun and opened fire prompting one of the policemen to shoot him while on law enforcement operation by way of serving search warrant.

The search warrant was issued against the suspect by the Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) of Salug-Godod for illegal possession of explosives.

Muksan was rushed to the Liloy Integrated Health District Hospital but expired while undergoing medical attention, the police officer added.

De Ocampo said seized from Muksan’s residence were the following: a hand grenade; 132 pieces blasting caps; three rolls of time fuse with a total length of 354 inches; 19 kilos ammonium nitrate; a caliber .357 magnum revolver with six live ammunition; one new set of Moro National Liberation Front camouflage uniform; and, three old sets assorted camouflage uniforms.

He said the lawmen have also recovered three heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu,” hidden at the utility-box Muksan’s motorcycle. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)