Lanao del Sur mayoral bet held for murder

MANILA, Philippines — A candidate for mayor in a town in Lanao del Sur was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the killing of a market administrator last year.

The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said former Picong vice mayor Alinader Balindong, who is running for mayor in Malabang, was apprehended at the Misamis University Medical Center in Ozamis City, where he was confined.

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Albert Ferro said Balindong would remain under hospital arrest based on an interim order issued by a court in Lanao del Sur dated Nov. 22.

Police have yet to disclose why Balindong was in the hospital and how long he needs to be confined.

Balindong’s arrest was based on warrants for murder and frustrated murder issued by the Lanao del Sur Regional Trial Court Branch 11 dated Nov. 10 and in line with the CIDG’s Oplan Pagtugis.

The court did not recommend bail for the murder charge while P200,000 was set for the frustrated murder case.

Ferro urged CIDG units to sustain efforts to engage communities for information that could lead to the arrest of wanted persons.