Bodyguards shield Lanao Sur governor from ambush; 4 killed

ILIGAN CITY– Police placed three Mindanao provinces and Cotabato City under heightened alert following the ambush that killed at least four men and hurt Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. on Friday, February 17.

The Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion has also set up checkpoints in Lanao del Sur, the Maguindanao provinces, and Cotabato City .

Lanao ambush

A still unidentified group ambushed Adiong and his companions in Maguing, Lanao del Sur around 4 pm. Friday.

Adiong, on board a supposedly bulletproof Land Cruiser, sustained gunshot wounds on his hip. His aide, Ali Macapado Tabao, was also hurt.

As Adiong’s vehicle passed near the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, armed men fired upon his convoy.

Bodyguards on board two cars maneuvered to cover the Land Cruiser and shot the attackers. Unfortunately, four bodyguards were killed. They were identified as:

• Juraij Adiong
• Aga Sumandar
• Jalil Cosain
• A driver identified only as Kobi

All victims were taken to the nearest hospital in Kalilangan town in Bukidnon province.

Heightened alert

In a memorandum, Lt. Col. Argel Ancheta, officer-in-charge of the PNP Regional Mobile Battalion 14, placed Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao and Cotabato City under heightened alert effective Friday.

“In view of all this, all personnel performing police operations are reminded to conduct proactive security measures and execute extreme caution for possible enemy atrocities,” he said.

Ancheta also ordered personnel to intensity the conduct of checkpoint operations.

“All passes and leaves are cancelled,” he added.

He also disallowed PNP or AFP personnel from serving as escorts unless authorized by higher authorities.

Adiong’s family reaction

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said his brother is now out of danger.

“Through the grace of Allah (SWT), Gov. Bombit is in very stable condition. The worst has passed,” he said.

He said the Adiong family is “heartbroken over the deaths of his security details, all of whom are family members who were with my brother during the violent attack”.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to all of our bereaved loved ones. Our unending gratitude to everyone who has offered their prayers and support to Gov. Bombit and our family during this difficult time,” the lawmaker said.

Zia urged authorities to “act with urgency and utilize all legal means available” to arrest the suspects.

“This condemnable act must not be taken lightly. May peace prevail in our beloved Lanao del Sur,” he said. Reports from Merlyn Manos