Carnapping suspects nabbed in Cotabato; one hurt during shootout

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Five suspected motorcycle thieves were arrested, with one of them sustaining a minor gunshot wound to the arm following an exchange of gunfire with police authorities in Midsayap, Cotabato, on Friday, Oct. 23.

Lt. Col. William Facsoy Jr, Midsayap police chief, said police personnel were responding to reports about a stolen motorcycle in Barangay Poblacion 6, which resulted to a brief shootout and the arrest of five men.

Police identified the suspects as Samser Culnita Abidin, 18; Korsad Mohamad Kamal, 18, who sustained an injury to his left arm; Mos Buagas Mampao, 21; Alshariff Kasan Abidin, 18; and Amodin Mohamad Edres, 18. All five are residents of Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.

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Facsoy said the suspects allegedly at gun-point took a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle from a 38-year-old Dexter Lobaton Viloria.

The suspects were intercepted while riding in a dark gray minivan (KAO 6467) where the alleged stolen motorcycle was found on board.

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Police said the suspects allegedly opened fire on the responding officers, prompting the police to return fire in self-defense. The shootout left Kamal wounded and all his companions were eventually arrested.

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Authorities also recovered a .45-caliber pistol, one spent cartridge case, three rounds of ammunition, a steel magazine, and keys to the motorcycle and minivan.

Facsoy said police are preparing charges against the suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10883, or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, for filing before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor. /cb