TWO alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiya Hasan Group were killed while trying to escape from the police following their arrest in Maguindanao on Thursday morning, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Debold Sinas said.
Rasul Dubpaleg and Bhadz Dubpaleg were arrested by a joint police and military team in Rajay Buayan, a known stronghold of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF), at around 10 a.m. Thursday.
Sinas said the police were bringing the two suspects to the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office on board a police vehicle when the latter allegedly tried to seize the firearms of their escorts.
“Reports from Police Brigadier General Samuel Rodriguez revealed that while in transit to the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office, a commotion ensued in the passenger cabin of the patrol car when the suspects tried to overpower their guards by wrestling for the cops’ firearms,” Sinas said.
The suspects were also alleged members of the BIFF Bungos Faction and took part in the bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, Midsayap North Cotabato and at the Southseas Mall in Cotabato City. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo / SunStar Philippines)