A man identified as one of the suspects in the New Year’s Eve grenade attack in Barangay Dalapitan, Matalam, Cotabato, which injured 22 people, was killed during a hot pursuit operation conducted late Monday night.
The suspect was identified as Hammad Ansa, 40. Police said he was located in Barangay Kilada, Matalam, where he was cornered during the operation.
Authorities said Ansa allegedly fought back by drawing a firearm and firing at police officers, prompting them to return fire and wound the suspect.
He was brought to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.
Police recovered a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition that was allegedly used by the suspect.
Authorities said operations are continuing to track down another suspect who remains at large.
Meanwhile, the victims of the blast are receiving assistance from the North Cotabato provincial government, according to Gov. Emmylou Mendoza.
Mendoza said violence has no place in the province and stressed that “those responsible should be brought before the bar of justice.”