Terrorist bombing foiled in Davao City

DAVAO CITY – Authorities here foiled what could have been another bombing incident after a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a shootout with policemen, Tuesday morning.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio yesterday ordered security in this city to be intensified after local police killed the suspect, who is also known as “Bin Laden,” after a brief chase in Barangay Magtuod in Daa District.

Found in the possession of the slain terrorist was an improvised explosive device (IED) similar to the bomb used in the Roxas Night Market bombing in September 2, 2016 that killed 15 persons.

“I told (Davao City security forces) to come up with a holistic plan to address the concern of terrorism and to ensure that the people are safe,” she said.

According to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Sr. Insp. Theresita Gaspan, the police received a tip that there were suspicious personalities roaming the city on board a grey pickup truck and a black motorcycle in the Bangkal area.

Gaspan added police chanced upon the black motorcycle, in which “Bin Laden” was the back rider.

As a chase ensued, the suspect fell off the motorcycle. But instead of yielding to authorities, “Bin Laden” allegedly tried to shoot it out with the police, and was killed on-the-spot.

Gaspan said the driver of the motorcycle was able to escape. The whereabouts of the grey pickup was also still being determined by the police.

She also said two persons of interest, known as Omar and Saqdat, are now in police custody.