Slay try on mayor condemned; speedy probe urged

MANILA, Philippines — The slay attempt on Masiu Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. in Lanao del Sur calls for increased police and military visibility, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted the police to hasten its probe of last Sunday’s incident.

Pangandaman was on his way from Marawi City to a Masiu peace and order council meeting when heavily armed men attacked his convoy along the highway in Barangay Gata, Buadiposo-Buntong town.

The mayor was not hurt in the attack but his police escort, Cpl. Jabber Pangandaman, was killed and two other persons were wounded.

“How can our mayors take on their duties well if there are people creating trouble and trying to kill them?” Año said. —Jeannette I.Andrade