MILF commander shot dead by unidentified suspects along Cotabato highway

KIDAPAWAN CITY - A top commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was shot dead by unidentified suspects in Matalam, Cotabato on Monday afternoon, local police said.

Police Major Brian Placer, the town’s chief of police, identified the victim as Commander Hadji Mansor Blancia Imbong, 51, deputy brigade commander of the 5th Brigade, 108th Base Command of the MILF.

Imbong, a resident of Purok Tagumpay, Barangay Marbel in Matalam, was on his way home when shot by suspects riding a four-wheel vehicle without license plates.

Placer said the victim was riding his motorcycle when attacked by the suspects along the national highway.

“As per witnesses' accounts, the suspects were riding a Toyota Hilux when they shot the victim,” Placer said.

He said police investigators were getting information from the family and people close to Imbong to determine the possible motive and identity of the suspects.

“We are studying all angles. But for now, we are in the process of getting additional information from the people close to the victim,” Placer said.

Imbong was immediately buried following the Islam tradition of burying the dead within 24 hours. —KG, GMA News