Probe on Maguindanao gun attacks sought

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has been asked to investigate the gun attacks in Cotabato City on Wednesday that left a former barangay chairman dead and a town treasurer seriously wounded.

The victims were identified as Basit Taguigaya of Barangay Poblacion in Saidon town and Roshel Kuit, municipal treasurer of Ampatuan, both in Maguindanao. Kuit’s husband Jeric was also wounded.

“I am imploring (Interior) Secretary Eduardo Año and local Maguindanao authorities to please investigate the cases... Basit was supposed to join me on the promulgation of the Maguindanao massacre on the 19th,” Maguindanao second district Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu said Basit was shot in front of the city hall while the Kuit couple were ambushed near a military camp.

No arrest has been made in connection with the shootings.