Maguindanao mayor, 9 others dead in clash with anti-drug police

2nd update 11:55 a.m., October 28, 2016

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A Maguindanao town mayor and nine others were killed when Camp Crame-based policemen reportedly engaged his group during an anti-illegal drug operation in Makilala, North Cotabato on Friday.

Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town, who was killed with the nine others, has been publicly named by Duterte as among many politicians he accused of involvement in illegal drugs as part of a shame campaign.

READ: Duterte’s drug war draws varied reactions, mainly shock

Chief Inspector Elias Colonia said policemen–led by a  Superintendent Culaway–conducted a checkpoint after receiving information Dimaukom and several other companions were to pass by Barangay Old Bulatukan bringing suspected shabu.

Colonia said the anti-drug operation was coordinated with his office.

“An armed encounter ensued between the group of Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan and the operating troops,” he said.

“The suspects are heavily armed and fired on the law enforcers, which prompted them to fire back,” Colonia said.

In August, Duterte read out the names of more than 150 officials allegedly linked to illegal drugs. He ordered them to surrender to authorities immediately or be hunted down. The mayor had turned himself in to police and denied he was involved in the illegal drug trade. He had told the media that he was fighting illegal drugs himself and supported Duterte’s crackdown. With a report from the Associated Press/CDG/rga

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