Ambush of Maguindanao Sur mayor probed
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has ordered an investigation into the ambush of the mayor of Tunggol, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday in Pasay City, Manila.
Police said Mayor Ohto Montawal survived the attempt on his life and now recuperating at the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa City.
The Maguindanao del Sur mayor suffered gunshot wounds in the hip and left arm.
Reports said that Montawal’s vehicle was traversing the Roxas Boulevard Service Road around 6:30 p.m. when two gunmen opened fire at them.
Abalos said the Station Special Investigation Team (SSIT) Montawal he created has already gathered the accounts of several witnesses as investigators are closely reviewing the footage of close circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area.
Police found two fired cartridges at the crime scene.
The attempt on the life of Mayor Montawal was the latest incident of violence against local officials this month.
On February 16, gunmen also attacked Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. in Bukidnon.
Although the governor survived the ambush, four of his companions were killed.
Two days after, Aparri, Cagayan vive mayor Rommel Alameda and five of his aides also died in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya where the suspects were in pixelated uniforms and masks.
“Hangad natin na agarang manumbalik ang lakas ni Mayor Montawal upang makuhanan siya ng pahayag tungkol sa nangyaring insidente,” the DILG chief said.
Abalos said he also ordered the police to add security personnel on Montawal at the hospital.
