PNP to form task force to probe Shariff Aguak mayor ambush

The Philippine National Police will form a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to identify and arrest the mastermind behind the ambush of a town mayor in Maguindanao del Sur, Acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Nartatez Jr. said Monday.

“The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) will pursue those responsible with full force,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“Those who believe they can hide behind hired gunmen are mistaken. The PNP will go after the masterminds and dismantle the entire network responsible for this attack,” he added.

On Sunday morning, armed men ambushed the convoy of Akmad Mitra Ampatuan, the mayor of Shariff Aguak, when he was on his way home.

Though the mayor was unharmed, two of his security escorts were wounded in the firefight. 

Meanwhile, the police said that all four suspects were killed in a hot pursuit operation after the ambush. The PNP said they were riding a white Suzuki minivan and were carrying high-powered firearms.

According to Nartatez, the SITG will gather forensic evidence from the suspects’ vehicle and firearms.

“Hindi natin hahayaan na maging 'Wild West' ang probinsya. I want a 24/7 visible police presence. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms,” Nartatez said.

(We will not allow the province to become a 'Wild West.' I want a 24/7 visible police presence. We will dismantle the networks that provide these gunmen with high-powered firearms.)

In a separate statement, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Hon. Abdulraof Macacua condemned the ambush incident, saying he has directed authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible will be held accountable.

“The public is enjoined to exercise restraint and to refrain from speculation and the dissemination of unverified information,” he said. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News