INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — One of the suspects involved in the ambush of the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. has been killed in a shootout with the police.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in a statement on Tuesday identified the slain suspect as “Otin,” while five others–including Otin’s father–remain at large.
Among those recovered from the suspect were a .45 caliber pistol loaded with six live ammunition.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said this development “shows that the PNP will not tolerate lawlessness and will do everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of our people.”
The national police then urged the public to relay to authorities any information on the location of the other suspects.
Adiong and his aide Ali Macapado Tabao sustained gunshot wounds from the ambush near the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon on Friday, February 17.
Four others were killed in the attack—Adiong’s driver who was only identified as Kobi and three members of the governor’s police security detail Staff Sgt. Mohammad Jurai Adiong, Cpl. Johanie Sumandar and Cpl. Jalil Cosain.
READ: Lanao del Sur gov Mamintal Adiong hurt in slay attempt; 4 aides dead
Azurin has since ordered the suspension of all civilian gun permits in the provinces of Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, as well as in 63 barangays in North Cotabato, which are all under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman condemned the attempt on the life of Adiong as they demanded justice for the victims of the ambush.