3 killed in Maguindanao shooting

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato—A bodyguard of a local politician in Maguindanao went on a shooting rampage in the town of Datu Montawal Sunday afternoon, killing two persons before being shot dead by responding civilian volunteers.

Capt. Anthony Bulao, spokesman of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said Rahib Ali, 38, was after his former employer, Mokmad Andoy, a former president of the Association of Barangay Chair of nearby Pagalungan town, also in Maguindanao.

Ali, a close-in security guard of Vice Mayor Annie Montawal of Datu Montawal, was armed with an M-16  rifle when he opened fire on Andoy, who had come to the vice mayor’s residence for a visit.

Andoy was not hit but his nephews, identified by police as Nasser Alba and Andala Macapalao, were killed.

Responding members of the local militia shot and killed Ali.

Bulao said Ali was believed high on drugs when the shooting occurred.

“We have information he was on drugs and appeared restless before the shooting,” Bulao said. He said police had yet to determine what motivated Ali to shoot at Andoy.

Andoy, former head of Barangay Poblacion in Pagalungan, Maguindanao, has figured in a feud with another family in Pagalungan believed to be related to Ali.

Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police chief, has ordered the deployment of more policemen  in Datu Montawal and the adjacent town of Pagalungan to prevent further violence.

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