N. Cotabato cops hunt down gunmen in ambush that killed 2

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): N. Cotabato cops hunt down gunmen in ambush that killed 2

Police in Banisilan, North Cotabato have launched a manhunt for armed men believed to be behind an ambush that left two people dead and five injured at dawn Saturday.

Banisilan town police chief, Sr. Insp. Jojie Barutas, said the police and military have been searching for the suspects who are reportedly locked in a family feud with the victims.

In a phone interview, Barutas said the victims were on board a multi-carry vehicle en route to Kidapawan City, where the provincial capitol is located, when they were waylaid by about five gunmen at 5 a.m. Saturday.

He identified the victims as Ali Nor Mantikayan, son of a village chairperson, and Lumayong Aliuden, a former village councilman, both residents of Barangay Busawon in Banisilan.

Among those injured were Panamtaon Mantikayan, village chairperson of Barangay Busawon; his wife Sarah Tikumi; barangay secretary Saligan Moy; and a certain Mahaymen Saligan, all from the same village.

Mantikayan told police investigators he knew the suspects but refused to name them. He said his family is locked in a long-standing feud with the suspects.

Barutas also appealed to civilians who may have information about the suspects to help the police locate them so justice could be served to the victims.

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