12 suspects in killing of Cotabato City village bets out on bail
MANILA, Philippines — A police officer, a candidate for village chief, and 10 others allegedly involved in an election-related killing of three people in Cotabato City last year are now out on bail.
Police Master Sergeant Pauti Dianal Mamalapat, village chief candidate Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul, and 10 others have already been granted temporary freedom, Bangsamoro Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday.
The other suspects are Mishal Mamalapat, Dixie Mahinay Garcia, Arman Mamalangkal, Ronda Midtimbang Bansuan, Jayson Manguda Bansuan, Surin Alon Kamad, Daniel Gumat Paguital, Nordin Gueamel Alay, Abedin Saban Guinat, and Buts Saban Tepay.
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Nobleza said that on Dec. 22, 2023, police officer Mamalapat, village chief candidate Abdul, Jayson Bansuan, and Mishal Mamalapat posted bail for three counts of murder and two counts of frustrated murder in the amount of P1,020,000.
On Jan. 2, 2024, the other suspects posted bail for three counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and illegal possession of firearms in the amount of P810,000, according to Nobleza.
However, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa questioned the bail of the suspects.
“Didn’t you ask the judge: ‘Sir, we filed murder cases against them. Why were they granted bail?’” dela Rosa said in Filipino.
In response, Nobleza said, “That is also the question of the PNP [Philippine National Police].”
But dela Rosa said he would defer to the decision of the judge.
“Anyway, the judge knows that. Even if they have undergone inquest for murder, when the judge determines that there’s an insufficiency of evidence, he may grant the posting of bail,” dela Rosa said.
“That’s at the discretion of the judge, although the immediate question of ordinary citizens is: Why were they allowed to post bail?”
The attack, which took place in October 2023, killed Nur Muktadin Butucan, Alffar Ayunan Pasawilan, and Faizal Abas. Butucan and Pasawilan were candidates for village council seats in the city, while Abas supported Pasawilan.
Also injured were Saipol Sapalon and Fayed Daud.
