Gunman Tied to Village Councilman’s Slaying Killed in Army Offensive.

Cotabato city: A military operation in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur ended with the death of a suspect in the killing of a village councilor, the Army reported Thursday. The fatality, identified only as 'Abdul Ken,' was reportedly involved in the murder of Toto Gogo Kensa, a councilman of Barangay Labu-Labu 2 in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, stated that troops clashed with the suspect's group while conducting a law enforcement operation to apprehend those responsible for Kensa's murder. The suspect's comrades abandoned him as the firefight escalated, leaving behind high-powered firearms recovered by military forces. 'Operations to pursue the remaining gunmen are ongoing,' Nafarrete said, adding that efforts are focused on dismantling the group involved in the killing.