Muslim cleric slain in Lanao Sur

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A Muslim religious leader was stabbed to death in Lanao del Sur on Friday.

The body of Emran Macadato, which bore stab wounds, was found in a secluded area in Barangay Maul in Marantao town.

Macadato was reported missing early this week. He failed to return home in Butig after supposedly collecting money owed to him by his friend in Marantao.

Col. Christopher Panapan, Lanao del Sur police director, said they have identified persons of interest in connection with the killing.

In Basilan on Friday last week, Muslim cleric Mutilan Ajanab, 20, was shot dead outside a mosque following the nightly Ramadan prayers in Sumisip.