‘Prime suspect’ in ambush of Gov. Adiong killed in police op —CIDG

The alleged “prime suspect” in the ambush on the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was killed in a police operation on Wednesday, the Criminal Investigation  and Detection Group (CIDG) said Friday.

In a statement, the CIDG said the suspect, Oscar “Tacmar" Capal Gandawali, fired at the authorities who were serving several warrants of arrest against him in Maguing, Lanao Del Sur.

“This prompted the authorities to retaliate leading to a brief firefight that resulted in the neutralization of the accused,” the CIDG said.

Barangay Pilikmonan chairman Gamon Manonggiring and an Army soldier were wounded during the firefight and brought to hospitals for medical treatment.

Recovered from the scene of the encounter were the following:

• a caliber 9mm pistol;
• two magazine assemblies;
• three caliber 9mm fired cartridge cases;
• three caliber 9mm cartridges;
• six caliber 5.56mm fired cartridge cases;
• a metal fragment
• an improvised pistol break open;
• 22 caliber .22 cartridges;
• eight caliber 9mm cartridges;
• two AK-47 cartridges;
• an M16 cartridge;
• three plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance;
• a plastic sachet containing five sachets of white crystalline substance weighing 13.216 grams worth P89,868;
• 11 folded aluminum foil;
• three improvised glass tooters; and
• four glass tubes

CIDG chief Police Brigadier General Romeo Caramat Jr. said suspect was also behind the ambush and killing of five Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents  in October 2018.

According to the CIDG, Gandawali was the leader of criminal gang engaged in gun-for-hire, gunrunning, robbery/hold-up, and illegal drug activities in Lanao del Sur and adjacent provinces.

The group is also known as alleged financer and supporter of ISIS-inspired rebels in the province, the CIDG 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.

One of the suspects identified only as “Otin” was killed during pursuit operations conducted from February 17 to 19, the police earlier said. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News