Police probe killing of 3 frontliners

The Philippine National Police has ordered a thorough investigation on the killing of three volunteer COVID-19 frontliners while manning a border control checkpoint in Buluan, Maguindanao Thursday.

Police identified the fatalities as identified as Rasul Lucman, Teng Rajah Buayan, and Ilo Lawan.

A fourth frontliner was wounded and is now recuperating in a hospital.

Police Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez, director of the PNP Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said they are now conducting background check and verification regarding the identity of the gunmen.

“I have already ordered the Buluan Municipal Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the motive and identity of the suspects. Checkpoint and foot patrol shall be strictly implemented by the police for the possible apprehension of the suspects,” said Rodriguez.

The fatalities were killed by unidentified gunmen armed with M16 rifles on the national highway in Barangay Poblacion.

As volunteers, they are helping local police and the military in enforcing quarantine rules in Buluan, particularly on the entry of people in the town.

“The victims sustained multiple wounds that caused their instantaneous death, while one wounding person was brought to the nearest hospital. The unidentified suspects immediately fled to an unknown direction,” said Rodriguez.