Suspects in Lanao ambush identified
POLICE are pursuing several “persons of interest” in a deadly ambush in Maguing, Lanao del Sur which killed three officers and a driver and wounded Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. and one of his staff members and prompted the suspension of all gun permits in the province, as well as Maguindanao , and parts of North Cotabato.
According to Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo, the names of the POIs have been mentioned by witnesses and the survivors of the deadly attack.
“Those names are already being subjected to a thorough validation so that criminal charges could be filed against them if evidence warrants,” the official said.
Fajardo did not name names although she said that investigators from the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Administrative Region under Brig. Gen. John G. Guyguyon are already following-up “good leads” that could help them identify and arrest the gunmen and their “brains.”
Guyguyon said they are validating reports that at least 10 armed men were behind the attack.
GUN BAN IMPOSED IN 3 MINDANAO PROVINCES
The incident prompted PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. to order the indefinite suspension of Permits-to-Carry-Firearms-Outside-of-Residence or PTCFORs in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and 63 barangays in North Cotabato which were described by the PRO-BARMM as Special Geographic Areas.
Azurin said they have to impose the gun ban in the three provinces to prevent an escalation of firearm-related violence.
Killed in the attack were Police Staff Sgt. Mohammad Adiong; Cpl. Johani Sumandar, 39; Cpl. Jalil Coasin, 40; and their civilian driver identified only as “Kobi.”
Gov. Adiong and his staff member Ali Macapado Tabao were injured and taken to a local hospital in Kalilangan, Bukidnon for treatment.
