Police still looking for clues on killing of Maguindanao village chief

MLANG, North Cotabato – The identity and motive of suspects in Monday’s killing here of a village chief from nearby Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao remain unclear, authorities said.

But Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, said the recovery of the motorcycle that the two men had used in carrying out the attack against Mely Pinagayao, chair of Lasangan village, could provide some lead that could help the police resolve the killing.

Pinagayao was driving his motorcycle along Magsaysay St. here when fired at by two men riding in tandem on Monday.

Tayong said based on investigation, Pinagayao was on his way home from Matalam town – some 15 kilometers away—and was passing by this town when attacked.

The village chair died from multiple gunshot wounds, he said.

Tayong said the Kawasaki Rouser motorcycle that the suspects used were later found abandoned in Barangay New Rizal here during pursuit operations conducted by the police, army and village watchmen.

The motorcycle, he said, was registered under the name of a Davao City resident.

Tayong said the police were now coordinating with the owner of the motorcycle.

Abdul Kadir Caballero, a relative of the victim, described the slain village chief as a dedicated public servant.

Caballero said they did not know of any reason why his uncle would be killed.