GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PNA) – The Maguindanao police chief was relieved from his post after the police chief of Ampatuan, Maguindanao and his aide-driver were killed in an ambush Tuesday, Aug. 30.
At least three other policemen were wounded in the incident.
Police Col. Christopher Panapan was relieved that day and the order released Wednesday was signed by Police Brig. Gen. Robert Rodriguez of the Philippine National Police Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.
Police Col. Roel Rullan Sermese from the Police Regional Office in the Soccsksargen region replaced Panapan.
Police Lt. Reynaldo Samson was killed along with Police Corporal Salipudin Endab, driver of the police vehicle they riding to serve a warrant of arrest against a wanted person in the town.
Police Senior Master Sgt. Reynante Quinalayo and Corporals Rogelio dela Cuesta and Marc Clint Dayaday were wounded in the ambush.
Police Major Reggie Abillera, Maguindanao police spokesperson, said Samson and his men were out to arrest in Barangay Kapinpilan a certain “Kambal” who is long wanted for a string of cases.
They failed to find Kambal and were instead ambushed on their way to back to their headquarters, Abillera said.
“Lt. Samson and Corporal Endab died on the spot,” Abillera said, adding the three wounded police officers sustained "not so serious injuries.”
Police investigators said the policemen managed to engage their attackers in a brief firefight until soldiers and police personnel arrived to help them.