Hunt on for gunmen behind chieftain's ambush

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines - Authorities launched an extensive hunt for gunmen behind Thursday’s fatal ambush in South Upi town where an ethnic Teduray chieftain involved in activities protecting tribal rights was killed.

The victim, Leoncio Arig, was on his way home from a farming enclave in east of Barangay Romongaob in South Upi when the gunmen, armed with M-16 assault rifles, blocked his path and shot him at close range.

Arig died on the spot from gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Local police investigators said the suspects had escaped toward a nearby cornfield before responding policemen could arrive at the scene.

Intelligence operatives of the 1st Marine Brigade, which has jurisdiction over South Upi, are now helping the municipal police identify Arig’s killers and their motive for the attack.