Lanao Sur town cop chief slain in ambush

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — The acting police chief of Binidayan town in this province and one of his companions were killed in an ambush in Barangay Bandaraingud, Pagayawan town on Monday.

M/Sgt. Amen Lucman Macalangan and Ramel Pang-catan suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Asliah Adiong, a civilian employee of the Binidayan municipal police office, and Patrolman Nasser Dumaraya were unhurt.

The victims were in a police vehicle and had just came from the provincial police office in Marawi City on their way to the town proper when they were attacked.

Col. Madzgani Mukaram, Lanao del Sur police director, said Macalangan managed to return fire, but was outgunned by their attackers.

Prior to the incident, Macalangan reportedly sought military assistance, citing threats received by his office in connection with illegally cut logs and smuggled cigarettes confiscated in the area.

Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., chairman of the Lanao del Sur peace and order council, condemned the incident.

Adiong urged local officials in Pagayawan and Binidayan to help probers identify the culprits.