PNP identifies 6 suspects in ambush-slay of cops in Maguindanao

The ill-fated vehicle carrying the police chief of Ampatuan, Maguindanao who was ambushed on Tuesday morning, Aug. 30. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army.)

MANILA, Philippines — Six suspects in the ambush that led to the death of two police officers and in the wounding of three others in Maguindanao have been identified, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday.

The PNP launched a region-wide pursuit in Central Mindanao following the shooting of Ampatuan town police chief Lt. Reynaldo Samson, his security aide and driver Corporal Salipudin Endab, while they were on their way to Kapinpilan village in Ampatuan town on Tuesday.

Master Sgt. Renante Quinalayo, Corporals Rogelio dela Cuesta Jr., and Marc Clint Dayaday were also injured in the gun attack.

READ: PNP hunts armed men in ambush-slay of 2 cops in Maguindanao town

“We already have the identity of the suspects, and our personnel are working double time to bring justice to where it should be. We ask for the public to be vigilant in their surroundings and report any suspicious-looking men in their area,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a statement.

Azurin also honored the police officers who were killed and hurt in the attack.

“They were fulfilling their duties as law enforcers when confronted with such violent action. Their loyalty to their commitment to serve and protect the nation will be remembered,” he added.

Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman earlier pushed for authorities to hold accountable the gunmen and mastermind behind the ambush-slay, stressing the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to avoid a reoccurrence of such violence against the police.

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