Suspect in Gov. Adiong ambush killed in police ops —PNP

One of the suspects in the February 17 ambush on the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was killed in a shootout with the police, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a statement Tuesday, the PNP said Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region chief Police Brigadier General John Guyguyon reported that the suspect, identified only as “Otin,” was killed during pursuit operations conducted from February 17 to 19.

Otin, according to the PNP, is a son of one alias “Fighter,” one of the suspects in the ambush who are still at large.

PNP said investigators have been monitoring and coordinating with the victims and their families to obtain their statements regarding the incident for the filing of appropriate criminal complaints.

"We condemn this senseless act of violence against our public servants. We assure the public that the PNP will exhaust all efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice,” PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.

“We stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for their actions,” he added.

On February 17, unidentified gunmen ambushed the convoy of Adiong in Kalilangan, Bukidnon and killed four of his companions.

The fatalities were identified as Police Staff Sergeant Mohammad Jurai Mipanga Adiong, 40; Police Corporal Johanie Lawi Sumandar, 39; Police Corporal Jalil Ampuan Cosain, 40, and a driver identified only as Kobi.

Adiong and two of his staff were hurt in the attack. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News