Hunt on for suspects in money lender’s shooting in Maguindanao del Sur

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY — Police in Maguindanao del Sur have launched a manhunt against two men who shot and injured an Indian money lender in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon.

Police Lieutenant Albert Pansoy, Datu Hoffer police chief, said the victim, identified initially as Gab, was driving a white Toyota Innova from Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte.

He was heading to Isulan, Sultan Kuarat when he was ambushed along the national highway in Barangay Labu-Labu of Datu Hoffer town.

Citing the account of witnesses, Pansoy said the ambush was carried out by two men riding on a motorbike, who overtook the Indian trader’s vehicle and opened fire, then turned around and sped away.

Pansoy added the victim opted to continue driving until he reached Barangay Kauran in nearby Ampatuan town.

“The car fell off the highway and landed on a corn field,” Pansoy said.

The victim sustained injuries on his left elbow.

The motive of the attack remained unknown as an investigation is still underway, although Pansoy said they already have several persons of interest to the case.

Police probers are yet to speak with the victim.

In the past five years, several Indian and Pakistani money lenders have been victims of robbery and shooting in Maguindanao and Cotabato provinces.