Municipal councilor arrested over slay of 2 barangay execs in Maguindanao del Sur 

Authorities arrested an incumbent municipal councilor in a joint operation last October 11 over the alleged murder of two barangay officials in Maguindanao del Sur in 2023, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Thursday.

The suspect was identified as  “Allan”, 44, a municipal councilor in Datu Salibo. He was arrested in Barangay Awang in Datu Odin Sinsuat through a warrant issued by the Shariff Aguak Court. 

“Allan” and 21 other co-accused allegedly executed an explosion targeting a group of barangay officials last August 16, 2023. This led to the deaths of Barangay Penditen chairperson Jun Silongan and councilman Salik Katua. 

“As backgrounder, on August 16, 2023 at around 8:30 a.m., the arrested accused and 21 other co-accused allegedly perpetrated an explosion targeting a group of barangay officials led by Hon. Jun “Datumanot” Silongan, incumbent Barangay Captain of Brgy. Penditen, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao Del Sur,” the CIDG said in a statement.

“Accordingly, the barangay officials were traversing on foot a trail in an uninhabited farmland in Sitio Patawali, Brgy. Ganta, Sharif Saydona, Maguindanao Del Sur when an explosion occurred that caused the instantaneous death of Brgy. Captain Jun Silongan, and seriously wounding Brgy. Kagawad Salik Katua and 8 others. Unfortunately, Kagawad Katua succumbed to the injury.” 

The CIDG said the suspect is the 7th most wanted person in the Bangsamoro Region for two counts of murder. The police said that no bail was recommended for “Allan.” —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News