Gov out of danger – brother
LANAO del Sur First District Rep. ZiaurRahman “Zia” Alonto Adiong told reporters on Saturday, February 18, that his brother, Gov. Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr., is in stable condition.
The lawmaker said the surgical procedure to take out the bullet that hit the governor during an ambush on Friday was successful.
“He is out of danger, that is the fear of the family after we learned about the incident. Last night, he underwent a surgery to remove the bullet as the wound was deep. Luckily, the gunshot wound was not fatal and it did not affect the major organs. The operation was successful,” Representative Adiong said.
At around 4 p.m. on Friday, a convoy transporting the governor to the municipality of Wao was attacked at close range by unidentified gunmen on a highway near Maguing town in Lanao del Sur.
Three policemen who escorted the convoy and a driver were killed while the governor and one of his staff were injured from the attack.
The governor, who was wounded on the hip, was initially brought to the Kalilangan Provincial Hospital and was transferred to a bigger hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.
Maguing Mayor Fahad Molok said the attack took place in an area controlled by the Moro Islamic National Front.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. has ordered the police to probe the attack and to pursue the suspects.
In a statement Saturday, the Adiong family said that their family has no quarrel with anyone in Lanao del Sur and expressed shock at the incident.
“Our unending gratitude to everyone who has offered their prayers and support to Governor Bombit and our family during this difficult time. Through the grace of Allah, Governor Bombit is in stable condition. The worst has passed. He’s out of danger, inshallah Allah,” Representative Adiong wrote on Facebook on Friday night.
“We are heartbroken over the deaths of his security details, all of whom are family members and relatives who were in a convoy with my brother during the violent attack. We offer our deepest sympathies to all of our bereaved loved ones,” he added. “We implore the authorities to act with urgency and utilize all legal means to bring the perpetrators to justice. This condemnable act must not be taken lightly.”
The lawmaker added that the governor will remain at the intensive care unit, adding that no visitors will be allowed except his immediate family.
“The family decided to have him under intense care and the visitation will be exclusive for the meantime for the family,” he said.
Representative Adiong added that Governor Adiong used the same route when traveling to other municipalities and provinces.
“The ambush site was between Maguing and Amai Manabilang, that’s where he passes through every time he travels from Marawi City to Wao. The road was new as it was only constructed three years ago. It reduces your travel time from Marawi City if you are going to Wao, the town. It is actually a boundary we share with North
Cotabato and Bukidnon,” Representative Adiong noted.
Meanwhile, other Lanao del Sur officials also condemned the ambush.
Provincial board member Jamil Faisal “Jeff” Adiong believes justice must be served.
“In order for peace to prevail, justice must be served. Hence, we call on the authorities to ensure a speedy yet careful investigation and to make the perpetrators liable under the rule of law,” he wrote.
Lawyer Rasol Mitmug Jr., who is a member of parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, called on the authorities for a full investigation.
Sultan Marjanie Macasalong of the Bangsamoro Youth Commission on Saturday also called for an investigation.
Mayor Saidamen Leo Manabilang said their municipality, Amai Manabilang, mobilized their response unit in helping the governor.
Vice Mayor James Manabilang of Amai Manabilang also said the governor “does not deserve this.”
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will investigate the attempt on the life of the governor.
“We have already referred the matter to our regional office for the conduct of investigation. So we will be receiving reports soon about the incident,” said CHR chairman Atty. Richard Palpal-Latoc in a phone interview with The Manila Times on Saturday.
The commission refrained from commenting about the incident as long as concrete data about the victims and the suspects will be made available for the CHR.
However, he assured the Lanao del Sur constituents that the CHR will extend its help in each investigation of cases involving human rights violations.
“The CHR is always here and always around ready to help and fulfill its mandate,” he said. “You can expect a fair and independent investigation in every incident.”
On the other hand, Faydah Dumarpa, CHR commissioner, had expressed condemnation against the ambush.
“As a fellow Maranao and Mindanaoan, I condemn the ambush in Maguing, Lanao del Sur yesterday, 17 February 2023, that killed 4 and injured 2 people,” she said in a separate statement.
“Violence such as this does not achieve anything except to undermine our nation’s quest for sustainable peace and stability, especially in Mindanao. I pray that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice,” she added.
The PNP’s Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (Probar), meanwhile, echoed the CHR’s condemnation against the ambush.
BGen. John Gano Guyguyon, Probar chief, said their unit had also activated the Special Investigation Task Force (SITG) for further investigation.
He said the SITG under Col. Robert Daculan, Lanao del Sur provincial police director, as task force commander, will conduct an in-depth investigation for the speedy identification and arrest of the suspects, and to immediately file the necessary case in the court.
“Probar condemns to the highest degree this incident and consoles the families of the victims. Probar assures the family of the victims that justice will be served the soonest time possible and that it commits its law enforcement capabilities to this case to bring all involved to justice,” said Guyguyon in a statement on Saturday.