Raps readied vs gunmen in Lanao ambush

MANILA, Philippines - Police investigators are gathering evidence for criminal charges to be filed against the 15 gunmen behind last Thursday’s ambush of Nunungan Mayor Abdulmalik Manamparan and his party in Lanao del Norte.

Senior Superintendent Gerardo Rosales, Lanao del Norte police director, said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) is gathering evidence from survivors and witnesses’ narration of events leading to the ambush of Manamparan that left 14 people dead and eight wounded.

Rosales said the survivors have positively identified some of the gunmen. He withheld the names of the suspects pending further investigation and validation of the information against them.

“The SITG is getting the affidavits of the survivors and witnesses and hopefully we could file charges against the perpetrators within the week,” Rosales said.

He added that additional policemen and soldiers have been sent to Nunungan town and nearby areas to hunt down the attackers.

Rosales clarified that investigators are not ruling out any possible motives for the attack. “We are investigating all angles now,” he said.

The police and military earlier said the attack could have been motivated by rido, or clan war, noting the ambushers were identified to be a longtime enemy of the Manamparan clan.

The military said the gunmen were led by a certain Kadie Hamin and are known supporters of a political rival of Manamparan.

Manamparan, on his last term as mayor, is supporting his son’s candidacy for the top elective post in Nunungan town. He is running as vice mayor under the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Manamparan survived the attack but his daughter was among the 14 fatalities. He said he had a good idea of who was responsible for the attack but declined to elaborate.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the Army’s 1st Division based in the province, said they have already located the gunmen but refused to elaborate, citing ongoing operations.

“There were sightings but in order not to compromise the operation we will keep it that way,” he said.

 â€“ Roel Pareño