ILIGAN CITY – One of the suspects in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.’s convoy was arrested by joint elements of the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army on Thursday, May 25.
BARATOMO (103rd Infantry (Haribon) Brigade, PA photo)
The suspect, identified as Lomala Baratomo, alias “Commander Lomala,” 42, married, and a resident of Bato-bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, was arrested at the 2nd South Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company checkpoint in Sitio Morales, Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato.
The arrest of the suspect was made possible through an intel-driven checkpoint operation conducted by the joint elements of RID, PRO 12, 2nd PMFC PIU, SCPPO, and Surallah MPS; RID, PRO BAR; Lanao del Sur PIU and 1st PMFC; intel operatives of 15 AIB, AIR, PA, 115 FCO, PA; 103rd Brigade, 1st ID, PA; 11FSC, 5SFBn, SFR (A), PA, and 1st Mechanized Brigade, PA.
The subject has a standing warrant of arrest for murder with Criminal Case No. 9203-2023, issued by Judge Samina Sampaco Macabando-Usman, Presiding Judge, RTC Branch 8, 12th Judicial Region, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur with no bail recommended.
The suspect is believed to be one of the comrades of alias “Otin,” who was killed during an armed encounter with authorities.
The suspect is also said to have been involved in the ambush of Adiong's convoy, which resulted in the death of three police security personnel and one civilian and injury to the governor and his aide.
Suspect is presently under the custody of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office and will be turned over to the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office for proper disposition.
"We commend the unwavering efforts and great synergy of all units,” said Police Brig. Gen. Jimili L. Macaraeg, Region 12 police director.
“This success is a testament to the relentless commitment of the PRO-12 in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to protect the communities and bring the criminals behind bars to serve justice to the victims," added Macaraeg.
"Mission accomplished! Now we can focus na sa mga ISIS at NPA,” said 103rd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr. in a text message.