Another suspect in Lanao Sur governor’s ambush slain

Zamboanga City, Philippines — Another suspect in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. was killed in an alleged shootout with law enforcers on Wednesday.

Joint operatives of the Maguing police and troopers from the 8th Scout Ranger Company encountered the group of Lomala Baratmo Mandoc in Sitio Lasong, Barangay Dilimbayan, according to reports from the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao.

One of Lomala’s followers was killed while his wife was arrested. Two high-powered firearms were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Police said Lomala’s group was responsible for the ambush on the convoy of Adiong on Feb. 17 that left the governor and one of his staff wounded and four of his police escorts dead.

The fatality was the second suspect neutralized after a certain alias Otin was killed in a clash with policemen on Feb. 22.

Law enforcers said pursuit operations for the group of Lomala would continue.