MNLF commander survives, driver dead in Cotabato ambush —police

Kidapawan City —Top Moro National Liberation Front commander survived, but his driver was killed in a gun attack on Saturday in Cotabato's Matalam town in Mindanao, a police official said.

Initial police investigation showed that MNLF political affairs officer and Barangay Ilian chairman Kutin Idtug, 67, and two other companions were waylaid by at least 10 armed men in Barangay Marbel, also in  Matalam town.

Photo by Williamor Magbanua

Hiding behind sugarcane plants, the suspects suddenly emerged and opened fire at Idtug's vehicle passing by their ambush position at about 1:55 p.m.

Major Joseph Brian Placer,  Matalam chief of police,  said the driver of a multicab Idtug and two others were riding died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds.

Idtug also sustained gunshot wounds but he  is now stable at Midway Hospital in Matalam.

One of his companions, identified as Antonio Saban sustained minor injuries, Placer said.

According to Placer, the victims were driving back to Ilian from the town when the attack took place.

"Allegedly the suspects are positioned at the sugarcane plantation if we based it on the traces from the position of the vehicle," Major Placer said.

Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene several slugs and empty shells from M14, M16 rifles, and carbine.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing, the police offical said. —LBG, GMA News