Cops nabbed alleged hit man in murders of Maguindanao engineers

COTABATO CITY – Police in Maguindanao announced Monday they had arrested over the weekend a man allegedly hired to kill two engineers in Datu Montawal town.

Town police head Chief Insp. Erwin Tabora said Ehsan Ali, a resident of Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawal, admitted he murdered the two engineers in exchange for money.

“He admitted to the crimes after being paid to do the job,” Tabora said.

Ali was the primary suspect in the murder last year of Datu Montawal Engr. Mustapha Andoy. He allegedly received P200,000 for killing the municipal engineer, but did not name who ordered him to do it.

Tabora said Ali also admitted he ambushed Engr. Joseph Adam of Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project of the National Irrigation Administration last January 22.

Adam was gunned down in Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawal while he was driving his car on his way home to Kabacan, North Cotabato. He died on the spot.

Ali purportedly received P250,000 for this hit.

Tabora said Ali confessed that the motive behind the murders was related to the victims’ work.

Tabora also said residents tipped off police about Ali, who was bragging in his village about his two “accomplishments” where he earned “easy money.” /kga