SITG created to probe killing municipal dad in Maguindanao
COTABATO CITY – Police created on Wednesday a special body to probe the murder of Datu Salibo town, Maguindanao del Sur province Councilor Demson Dagloc Silongan on Monday, April 17.
Police Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police director, said he activated the regional-level Special Investigation Task Group to look into the shooting of Silongan, 50.
The victim was shot by a gunman as his vehicle arrived at the municipal government compound. He died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds.
His driver, Jam Madzig, was injured and is undergoing treatment.
Police Col. Ruel Sermese, Maguindanao del Sur police director, said no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
“He has no known enemies, according to his brother who is a village chairperson,” Sermese said in a radio interview. “Manhunt is continuing,” he added.
Nobleza said Silongan was the latest elected government official (EGO) who fell victim to gun attacks in the BARMM from January to April 17 this year. He said 13 EGOs have been listed as victims of harassment and murders across the region.
Of the 13 cases, six were cleared or suspects were charged but remained at large while one case was solved with the primary suspect charged and in police custody. Six other cases are under investigation.
Nobleza has directed all police field units to increase intelligence gathering, tighten up monitoring of political hotspots, and set up more checkpoints to deter lawless elements from engaging in all forms of criminality.