`Bloody ambush’ probe starts

Third attempt on Lanao Norte mayor’s life leads to killing of 4 persons

NORTHERN Mindanao Police director Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb has ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to probe the attempt on the life of Pantao Ragat, Lanao del Norte mayor Lacson Lantud, which killed four people and wounded three others, over the weekend.

Lantud survived the ambush unscathed but four of his companions were killed namely: Police Officer 1 Mahid Macalaba, Lomidong village chief-elect Khaliq Disamburon, Casunding Hasim and certain Tarapas.

The three wounded were identified as Police Officer 1 Hamza Mangonte, Sangguniang Bayan member Acmad Magomnang and Farmon Macarimbang.

They are undergoing medical treatment at Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City.

Investigation disclosed that Lantud requested for security escorts to check an ongoing road project at Barangay Cabasagan, Pantao Ragat.

He was onboard a Black Toyota Hi-Lux vehicle when the convoy was ambushed by around 10 armed men at around 8:30 a.m., Sunday.

Disamburon and Tarapas were killed on the spot while the other two died later on their way to the hospital.

Authorities raised the possibilities that “Rido” or family feud may have been the motive behind the assassination attempt.

Lantud also hinted that the ambush may also be politically motivated. He added it was the third attempt on his life since 2010.

Superintendent Lemuel Gonda, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), said the SITG Pantao Ragat composed of several policemen has started the probe to identify the perpetrators that would lead to the filing of appropriate charges in court.