Police have reportedly killed one of the suspects in last Friday’s assassination attempt on Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr.
Philippine National Police public Information chief Col. Redrico Maranan, in press briefing in Camp Crame, identified the suspect as alias “Otin,” son of an alias “Fighter” who was among the five principal suspects in the ambush on Adiong.
Maranan said the information was based on a report by Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, director of the Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM).
Maranan said the suspect was slain during a hot pursuit by BARMM police led by Guyguyon on Saturday.
Police seized from the suspect a .45-caliber pistol with loaded with six live bullets.
Meanwhile, PNP chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., said an investigation was underway to determine the motive for the ambush, which includes a possible retaliation against the governor’s crackdown on marijuana plantations in the province.
“We will continue investigating and determine the real motive of the ambush of Governor Adiong. But we are very careful in investigating and looking at the possible persons of interest in order to ensure that we get the right persons,” Azurin said.
He also said PNP investigators were constantly monitoring and coordinating with the victims and their families to get their statements regarding the incident for the filing of appropriate charges.
“We condemn this senseless act of violence against our public servants. We assure the public that the PNP will exhaust all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” Azurin said.
Adiong and one of his staff were wounded, while three of his security personnel were killed in the attack that took place in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur.
