CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) created to probe the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal "Bombit" Alonto Adiong Jr. on Friday, Feb. 17, in Maguing, Lanao del Sur is moving forward with its investigation.
Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region director, said SITG Adiong led by PRO-BAR Deputy Regional Director for Operations Col. James Gulmatico has visited the ambush site and were able to identify the position of the gunmen and determine how it happened.
They then proceeded to Wao, Lanao del Sur to inspect the vehicles in Adiong’s convoy and match the bullet that hit the governor.
Guyguyon said they have a lead on the perpetrators but he refused to identify them as they are still gathering evidence that will stand in court.
"Para hindi tayo ma-question especially kung maglabas na ng warrant of arrest (So that we won’t be questioned when the warrant of arrest is issued),” he said.
Guyguyon added that a man armed with a handgun was shot dead after he ran away when he was accosted by troops during a clearing operation in the ambush site.
He said they have yet to ascertain his identity and his involvement in the Adiong ambush.
Meanwhile, a military escort of Adiong who went missing after the ambush has surfaced and was able to describe the gunmen.
Army 103rd Infantry Brigade deputy commander Col. Billy dela Rosa said Private First Class Gilbert Mananguite was wounded while escaping from the kill zone.
Guyguyon said Mananguite was taken by his colleagues from the 103rd IB to the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City. The soldier has been discharged and recuperating
at the brigade headquarters.
Police have identified 10 suspects in the ambush but their identities cannot be divulged as investigation is ongoing.