Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado of the Philippine Army’s 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion identified the fatalities as retired Superintendent Villamindo Hectin and PO1 Roy Tunso.

 

The victims were escorting a water tanker aboard a prowl car when armed men allegedly belonging to the Daquil Capion Group attacked them at around 1 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Kimlawi in Kiblawan town, Obligado said.

 

Two government militiamen were wounded after pursuing troops caught up with the attackers.

Obligado hinted the attack might have something to do with mining operations in the area, since Hectin works as a security consultant of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI).

 

“This is a bandit group in the area. They [may] have an issue against SMI,” he said.

 

Obligado added that Daquil Capion, leader of the armed group, is against mining in the province and is also wanted for a number of killings in the area.

 

Pursuit operations are ongoing, he said. — with Andreo Calonzo/LBG/RSJ, GMA News