ILIGAN CITY – Three suspects in the slay attempt against Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal ‘Bombit’ Alonto Jr in Maguing town on Feb. 17 were arrested by personnel of Kalilangan Municipal Police Station and Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office on Friday morning, March 10.
Armed with warrants of arrest, the authorities, according to Police Regional Office 10 spokesperson Major Joan Navaro, arrested Palawan Salem Macalbo, Nagac Dimatingkal Baratomo and Amirodin Dimatingkal Mandoc who were believed part of an armed group that ambushed Gov. Adiong in an incident that also resulted in the death of the governor’s four security men and his driver.
Macalbo is facing two counts of murder charges under criminal case number ML-440-2019 and CC# ML-442-2019, one count of frustrated murder under CC# 437-2019, and violation of R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition).
Macalbo, Baratomo and Mandoc were apprehended at around 4:30 a.m. on Friday at Sitio Panamsamon, Barangay Ninoy Aquino, Kalilangan Bukidnon.
Initial investigation by the police in coordination with SITG Adiong revealed that the three suspects were positively identified by witnesses through photographs.
Seized from the suspects were one grenade, grenade rifle, M16 rifle with magazine among others.
The suspects are now in Kalilangan Municipal Police station for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mamintal "Bombit" Adiong, Jr. issued a statement recognizing the efforts of the authorities on the progress of the governor's ambush case.
"I would like to thank the PNP for the progress they have made on this case as well as the Philippine Army for securing the area where the ambush took place,” said Adiong.
“We need to ensure that there is continuous internal stability in the province for the welfare of all the residents," added Adiong.
“We also have to make sure that everything will be done to bring all those responsible for this crime to justice,” stressed Adiong.