Saad Samad Kiram, alias Abu Saad who was captured in Tubigon yesterday was gunned down by police authorities on Friday dawn in an escape attempt while he was being transported, said a police official.

Kiram who was allegedly among the Abu Sayyaf bandits who infiltrated Inabanga last month was being moved to the Bohol District Jail (BDJ) from Camp Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City, said Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) chief Sr. Supt. Felipe Natividad.

The suspect reportedly complained of stomach ache and asked authorities if they could stop en route to the BDJ so he could defecate.

The police escorts granted Kiram’s request and removed his handcuff, said Natividad.

Kiram then bolted from his escorts and escaped leading to a two-hour manhunt.

“He took advantage, then ran,” said Natividad.

As police caught up with Kiram, the suspect reportedly attacked a policeman and attempted to grab his weapon in a dark area prompting authorities to shoot the Abu Sayyaf bandit.

Natividad said that a probe is still ongoing while investigators are still verifying if Kiram indeed reached Cortes as indicated by previous reports.

For his part, Cortes police chief SPO4 Josueh Lungog, said that they were directed by the BPPO to establish a security checkpoint in Baranagy De la Paz, Cortes at 2 a.m. following Kiram’s escape.

The Cortes police then served as backup to responding Provincial Intelligence Branch operatives who gunned down Kiram reportedly in Barangay Cabawan, Tagbilaran City.

Lungog said that Kiram was already subdued when they arrived at the shooting area.

Kiram was still alive as he was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival at the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, he said.

According to Natividad, Kiram was escorted by four policemen in one vehicle while two other vehicles were in front and behind them during the supposed transfer from Camp Dagohoy to the detention center.

Kiram was being transported to the BDJ “for safekeeping” as he was considered a high-risk detainee like previously arrested alleged Abu Sayyaf bomber Renierlo Dongon and wife Supt. Cristina Nobleza who were also temporarily detained at the jail facility.

Natividad also noted that Kiram had appeared to be cooperative and was no longer “hostile” as he divulged information to authorities during a tactical interrogation yesterday.

Kiram however said that he parted ways with the two other remaining bandits following the Clarin clash in April.