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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Ex-Lanao del Norte town mayor under hospital arrest for murder

Ex-Lanao del Norte town mayor under hospital arrest for murder

Published Apr 22, 2021 04:08 pm

ILIGAN CITY ‒ The Umpa Bangcola family scored a victory in its legal battle with its chief political rival when former Salvador, Lanao del Norte Mayor Johnny Tawan-tawan was arrested at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last April 1, Maundy Thursday.

It took five years for the family to get justice over the death of the family matriarch, but for them, they said, it was worth the wait. 

In a press conference  Saturday, Abdul Nasser “Bebot” Umpa Bangcola said the family got a sigh of relief following the arrest of Tawan-tawan. Tawan-tawan is now under hospital arrest after he tested COVID-19 positive apart from having a heart problem.

Umpa Bangcola related that the animosity between the two families started when he ran for mayor against the son of Tawan-tawan in 2016.

The campaign leading to the May elections was so intense that on April 22, 2016, heavily armed men believed to be supporters of the elder Tawan-tawan attacked the Umpa Bangcola compound, killing his 73-year-old mother Salam Umpa Bangcola who was hit in the head.

With the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), a case of murder and attempted murder against 30 suspects was filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

"This is no ordinary case, five years after the case was filed, finally we have seen movement of the case," said legal counsel Dean Quijano. "I suppose ang pamilya (the family of) Umpa Bangcola after the issuance of warrant of arrest really feel at least, there is justice in our court system after 5-6 years.

It appeared that it was so slow with so many legal maneuverings occurred," Quijano added. Out of 30 accused, three were already apprehended while the two others have died due to illness.

The warrant of arrest, which was issued by Presiding Judge Estela Alma A. Santiago of the RTC 7th Judicial Region Branch 19, Cebu City on Aug. 31, 2020, was implemented by the Criminal Intelligence Detection Group (CIDG) through “Oplan: Pagtugis.”

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