PNP probes release of Lanao mayor held for arms cache

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima has ordered a thorough investigation into the questionable release of a mayor in Lanao del Sur days after he was arrested for keeping several high-powered firearms in his house.

Purisima learned that Marantao town Mayor Muhammad Ali Abo Abinal was released and placed under the custody of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Bombit Adiong without any charges being filed against him by the police. 

Both Abinal and Adiong belong to the Liberal Party of President Aquino.

“I have ordered an investigation into the incident. Not because a local government official ordered the release of an arrested person, he will be immediately released from custody without any charges. Only a judge can do that. The circumstances should be explained,” Purisima said.

Abinal was arrested in his house in Barangay Poblacion, Marantao town last March 30 after elements of the PNP Special Action Force and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission served a search warrant for alleged illegal possession of firearms. 

Seized from Abinal were an M-60 machinegun, an M-14 rifle, two M-16 automatic rifles, a .22-caliber rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and dozens of assorted bullets, including M-203 ball cartridges.