13 killed in ambush on Lanao town mayor's convoy

MANILA, Philippines - Thirteen people, including the daughter of a Lanao del Norte town mayor, were killed and at least 10 more were wounded in an ambush in Iligan City on Thursday afternoon.

Senior Superintendent Gerardo Rosales, director of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, unidentified armed men ambushed the convoy of Nunungan town Mayor Abdulmalik Manamparan in Barangay Malaig at past 5 p.m.

The slain daughter of the mayor was identified as Adnani, 30.

Rosales added that the mayor, his driver Wilfredo Vega and police escort Police Officer 1 Frenel Laguting were among those injured. They were rushed to a hospital in Iligan City.

"In recent years, similar incidents have transpired. This is the same group suspected for (Thursday's) ambush," Rosales said, adding that the incident may be more due to a family feud than politics.

He said that the victims also told the investigators that they know the attackers and concluded that the motive is retribution.

Manamparan, whose term as mayor expires this year, opted to run for vice mayor in the May 13 elections.

Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command, said that the attack was led by Kadie Hamin.

Gregorio said that Hamin, whose clan resides in Barangay Kaludan, is a strong rival of the mayor.

“Troops have been deployed in the area in coordination with the local police forces to prevent the possible escalation of conflict between the warring families,” said Gregorio.