A suspect in the murder of 57 people”•including 34 journalists during the 2009 Maguindanao massacre”•was arrested by police operatives on Thursday in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
Police Captain Jemar delos Santos, information officer of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, identified the suspect as Gambayan Kasim alias Lori Alip, 47, a resident of Shariff Aguak.
In related developments:
• The National Bureau of Investigation has been tasked to investigate the killing of former Batangas Rep. Edgar Mendoza and his two companions whose remains were found inside a burned vehicle in Tiaong, Quezon, on Thursday.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra ordered NBI Director Dante Gierran to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Mendoza, his driver Ruel Ruiz and his bodyguard Nicanor Mendoza and then submit a report on the progress of the probe.
• A lawmaker from Mindanao on Friday sought the help of President Rodrigo Duterte in probing the ambush and killing of former Sultan Kudarat Vice Governor Rolly Recinto on Jan. 7.
“I am imploring President Rodrigo R. Duterte to look into the violent death of Vice Gov. Recinto. He is a good person and is like a friend to everyone,” Maguindanao Rep. Esmael ‘Mangudadatu said in a statement.
“I can’t fathom who could have the motive and tenacity to do this to him. His life shouldn’t end tragically and barbarically as that. He doesn’t deserve such end.”
Delos Santos said Kasim who was a member of the private armed groups believed responsible in the killing of the 58 people in 2009, was cornered in Barangay Timbangan at 11:10 a.m. on Thursday.
He said the suspect was arrested on the strength of an arrest warrant.
A hand grenade was recovered from Kasim by arresting police officers.
During the course of the arrest of Kasim, Delos Santos said a comrade of the suspect, identified as Edsrail Guiomla, fired his cal. 45 pistol at the lawmen, prompting operatives to fire back.
Guiomla was rushed to the nearest hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The pistol and 13 suspected packets of shabu were recovered from Guiomla.
Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen Archie Gamboa has ordered all police units to hunt down the remaining suspects in the Maguindanao massacre. With Rey E. Requejo and Maricel V. Cruz
