Manhunt on for killers of Maguindanao merchants

POLICE authorities are on a manhunt for motorcycle riders who shot dead two mobile merchants in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday, November 15.

Maj. Roldan Kuntong, town police chief, identified the fatalities as Ninonel Bentoy, 28; and Carl Denilla, 24, both residents of Pikit town, North Cotabato.

“Pursuit operation is ongoing following the shooting that occurred at 9 a.m. in Barangay Pagatin, Datu Salibo,” Kuntong said.

He said the victims, who were on a motorbike driven by Denilla, were heading home from Sambolawan village when ambushed.

Kuntong said the victims were door-to-door merchants selling plastic wares, sala sets, and other home decors on an installment basis or daily payment scheme.

Police found empty shells for a .45-caliber pistol and a 9 mm. pistol at the site of the ambush.

Kuntong said investigators are eyeing robbery as a motive since the suspects took the victim’s motorbike and sling bag that contained their earnings.

He added that police are looking for possible “persons of interest” from the village the victims last visited.