MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to fast track its investigation into the ambush of Masiu, Lanao del Sur Mayor Nasser Pangandaman, Jr.
In a statement, DILG chief Eduardo Año asked the country’s police force to ensure the arrest of suspects behind the ambush.
“The DILG condemns this atrocity which is a huge affront to the efforts of the government through our law enforcement groups to ensure peace and order in our communities. The PNP, in coordination with its military counterparts, should exert all efforts to arrest the suspects of this dastardly act,” Año said.
On Nov. 10, Pangandaman was on his way to a meeting when his convoy was shot by unidentified men. The mayor and two others were injured but his police escort Pol. Corporal Jabber Pangandaman died in the incident.
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After the incident, Año called for intensified security measures from police and military forces such as regular foot and mobile patrols in checkpoints.