A SON of former Maguindanao governor and four other lawless elements were killed in a shootout with government security forces at a checkpoint around 9 p.m. Friday, July 5, in Inug-ug village, Pikit, North Cotabato.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the troops from the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion and Pikit Municipal Police Station were manning a checkpoint when a speeding sports utility vehicle (SUV) passed through.

He said the five people aboard the SUV opened fire prompting the joint army and police forces to return fire that resulted to their death.

He added that two of the five slain lawless elements were identified as Hassem Matalam, son of former Maguindanao governor and Pagalungan Mayor Nurodin Matalam, and Buton Bacocol of Matina Pangi, Davao City.

The Westmincom chief said their remains were claimed by the Matalam family.

He said the government troops have recovered from the slain lawless elements an M-16, two M653, an M1911, a hand grenade, a rifle grenade, three sachets of suspected shabu, and illegal drug paraphernalia.

“I commend our military and police forces who stood guard and remained vigilant. Your steadfastness will bear more accomplishments in our internal security campaign to defeat lawlessness in Mindanao,” he said.

“Carrying this accomplishment, Westmincom commits to sustain its campaign against lawless elements and loose firearms in Mindanao. The same efforts will be made to facilitate Rido settlements in our bid to bring security and development in communities,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)