Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Saturday ordered a thorough inquiry on the shooting of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur Mayor Ohto Montawal in Pasay City.
“Masusi ko ngayong pinaiimbestigahan sa pulisya ang naganap na pananambang kay Mayor Ohto Montawal ng Tunggol, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, sa Lungsod ng Pasay nitong Miyerkules, Pebrero 22, ilang araw lamang matapos ang pagpaslang sa isa pang opisyal,” Abalos said in a statement.
“Sa kabutihang-palad ay nadala agad sa ospital si Mayor Montawal at siya ngayon ay nasa maayos na kalagayan. Hangad natin na agarang manumbalik ang lakas ni Mayor Montawal upang makuhanan siya ng pahayag tungkol sa nangyaring insidente,” he added.
Montawal was aboard his car traveling along the service road of Roxas Blvd. in Pasay City on Wednesday evening when two assailants shot him, police said.
Abalos said the Philippine National Police Station Special Investigation Team (SSIT) “Montawal” is conducting hot pursuit operations against the suspects.
He added that some witnesses have come out to testify on the slay attempt..
“Inatasan ko rin ang PNP na mahigpit na bantayan at dagdagan ang seguridad para kay Mayor upang siguruhin ang kanyang kaligtasan mula sa anumang pagtatangka sa kanyang buhay,” Abalos said.
The ambush on Montawal took place just three days after gunmen killed Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others in Nueva Vizcaya on Feb. 19.
The victims were aboard a van on their way to Manila when more about six gunmen ambushed Alameda’s vehicle in Sitio Kinacao, Barangay Beretbet in the municipality of Bagabag.