MILF commander shot dead in Cotabato town

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A ranking leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) based in the town of Matalam, Cotabato province was shot to death by unidentified gunmen on Monday afternoon.

Police Major Brian Placer, the town’s chief of police, said Commander Hadji Mansor Blancia Imbong, 51, the deputy brigade commander of the 5th Brigade of MILF’s 108th Base Command, was on his motorcycle on his way home when attacked by suspects along the national highway.

Imbong lived in Purok Tagumpay, Barangay Marbel in Matalam.

Police said the suspects who shot him were riding a four-wheel vehicle which had no plate number.

“(According to) witnesses’ accounts, the suspects were riding a Toyota Hilux when they shot the victim,” Major Placer said.

Police were still trying to find the motive for the shooting and to track down the identity of the suspects.

Imbong was immediately buried in Marbel village of Matalam, following Muslim traditions. Williamor A. Magbanua

Edited by Lzb