Alleged driver in shooting spree charged

MANILA, Philippines - The alleged driver of the motorcycle in last weekend’s shooting spree, which left four people dead, has been charged with murder.

Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), said Alsaid Mindalano underwent inquest proceedings for four counts of murder Wednesday.

Albano said the inquest fiscal found probable cause to indict Mindalano in court. He is detained without bail.

Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, head of the QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said the same murder charges were also filed against the alleged gunman, Mohammad Sandigan, with the prosecutor’s office. Sandigan remains at large.

Mindalano, Bochary Mindalano, Anmad Madkadato, Mangontawar Monib, and a 16-year-old boy underwent inquest proceedings for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives and assault upon an agent of a person in authority after they shot at the police officers who came to arrest them at their hideout in Fairmont Subdivision in North Fairview.

However, according to Marcelo, the minor was recommended to be released from detention.

The sixth man taken following Tuesday’s operation, Cesar Ate, was released by the police and not included in the inquest proceedings, Monsalve said. He was mistaken for a suspect after some from the group attempted to hide in Ate’s house.