Maguindanao ambush suspects identified

MANILA, Philippines — Pursuit operations for six persons believed to be behind the ambush that killed the police chief of Ampatuan town in Maguindanao and another police officer are ongoing.

“We have the identity of the suspects and our personnel are working double time to bring justice to where it should be,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a statement issued yesterday.

He did not disclose the names of the suspects.

An initial police report said a group of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by commanders Boy Jacket and Abdulnasser Guianid were responsible for the attack.

Samson and his team were about to serve arrest warrants to a certain Kamir Kambal when they were waylaid.

Lt. Reynaldo Samson and Cpl. Salipudin Endab died at the scene. M/Sgt. Renante Quinalayo and Cpls. Rogelio dela Cuesta Jr. and Marc Clint Dayaday were wounded.

Azurin expressed concern over claims that the ambush occurred because the police did not seek permission before entering territories of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

“There is only one Philippine National Police, there is only one Armed Forces of the Philippines and we are here to serve our countrymen... Why do our police personnel need to seek permission?” he asked during a press briefing at Malacañang.

Azurin urged Bangsamoro officials to surrender persons in their area who are facing criminal charges.

Cop chief replaced

Meanwhile, Maguindanao police director Col. Christopher Panapan was relieved from his post following the incident.

However, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon said Panapan’s relief order, which came from Camp Crame, was not related to the ambush.

Guyguyon said Panapan’s transfer was scheduled because he had served as Maguindanao police director twice.

“He was relieved, but not because of the ambush but a regular process in our organization,” Guyguyon said in a text message.

Meanwhile, the three policemen wounded in the ambush were awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan and Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting at their hospital beds in Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos. Jr. pinned the medals when he visited the policemen yesterday. – Alexis Romero