INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Twelve suspects allegedly involved in a shooting that killed three persons in Cotabato City have been arrested.
The victims were two election candidates for barangay kagawad (village councilors) and a local resident.
Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) on Tuesday identified the fatalities as barangay kagawad candidates Nur-Moqtadin Butucan and Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasawiran.
The third person who died was Faisal Abas.
The three hung posters in Rosary Heights 12 when armed men attacked them.
Two other persons with them, Saipul Sapalon and Fajeed Daud, were injured in the shooting around 9:30 p.m. on Monday.
All victims were brought to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.
Butucan, Pasawiran, and Abas were declared dead on arrival.
Shortly after the incident, unidentified witnesses reported to Cotabato City Police Office operatives, who immediately went to the crime scene.
They pursued the suspects along the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
The operations led to the arrest of the following suspects:
Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul alias Boyong (barangay chairman candidate in Rosary Heights 12)
Police Master Sergeant Pauti Dianal Mamalapat (resident in Sousa Extension)
Mishal Malang Mamalapat (resident of Sousa Extension)
Dixie Mahinay Garcia (resident of Rosary Heights 12)
Arman Mamalangkal (construction worker and resident of Bagua 2)
Ronda Midtimbang Bansuan (social worker and a resident of Rosary Heights 12)
Jayson Manguda Bansuan (student and resident of Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Surin Alon Kamad (student and resident Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Daniel Gumat Paguital (resident of Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Nordin Gueamel Alay (farmer and resident of Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Abedin Saban Guinat (resident of Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Buts Saban Tepay (farmer and resident of Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur)
Confiscated from the suspects was a .45 caliber handgun, a magazine with seven pieces of ammunition, two handheld radios, a Beretta 9mm pistol with two magazines containing 25, and a rifle with seven pieces of ammunition.
The arrested individuals are currently under the custody of PRO-BAR.
Police said an investigation is ongoing.
They have yet to determine the suspects’ motive for the killings.
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