10 nabbed over Batangas ambush that killed a candidate's security escort

Ten people were arrested for their alleged involvement in Thursday night's ambush that killed an election candidate's security escort in Mataasnakahoy, Batangas.

The victim was identified as Ruben Tiquis, a 60-year-old security escort of Mataasnakahoy vice-mayoral candidate Janet Ilagan.

Following the ambush, authorities from the Batangas Provincial Intelligence Branch launched an operation resulting in the arrests of suspects Clarito Lota, Hasim Abbise, Johnny Muallam, Ramir Abbilani, Ramly Bariwa, Sarrie Hasim, Eddie Donggon, Rodrigo Anyayahan, Mursidi Jalaidi and Manny Omar.

According to Rodolfo, the victim’s brother, they were on their way home at around 9:20 p.m  on Thursday when they were ambushed.

He said one of the suspects got off a vehicle and fired shots at Tiquis before fleeing through a getaway vehicle.

Tiquis was rushed to Metro San Jose Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the police recovered high caliber firearms from the arrested suspects. Six empty shells of 5.56 ammo were recovered in the crime scene.

According to authorities, the suspects will face charges for murder and for violations of Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

It was still unclear as of posting time if the ambush was connected to the May 9 elections. —Kiersnerr Gerwin Tacadena/KBK, GMA News