ARRESTED. The mug shot of three of four suspects linked to the Aug. 23, 2020 killing of Indigenous People’s leader Merlin Ansabu Celis in Barangay Mahongkog, Magpet, North Cotabato. The three suspects are arrested on Tuesday (Aug. 25, 2020) while a fourth suspect remains at-large. (Photo courtesy of Magpet MPS)
MAGPET, North Cotabato – Police operatives arrested Tuesday three of four suspects linked to the recent killing of Merlin Ansabu Celis, an indigenous peoples (IP) leader in Barangay Mahongkog here.
Major Judgie Barotas, Magpet police chief, said the Police Regional Intelligence Unit -12 and Magpet police force nabbed the three suspects in separate operations in the province.
Barotas said suspect Jerry Ansabu was arrested at his residence in Sitio Tagaytay of Mahongkog village around 1 p.m., while Bonel Rubio and Rex Ansabu were both arrested late at night on the same day in Barangay Sanggadong in Kabacan town, North Cotabato.
A fourth suspect, identified as Rufino Ansabo, remains at-large.
“The three suspects vehemently denied the allegation against them and pointed to Rufino, the suspect at-large, as the one responsible on the killing of the IP leader,” Barotas said.
Celis, a Manobo leader in Mahongkag, was on her way to visit her farm on Aug. 23 together with daughter Jovelyn when attacked by the suspects with a 12-gauge shotgun.
The suspects finished off the victim by hacking her to death with a machete.
The daughter managed to run away and sought the help of village officials, who in turn called for police assistance.
Investigators said personal grudge was the primary motive, particularly the rivalry on tribal leadership and land conflict between the two families.
“Village officials of Mahongkag have commended the police for the capture of the suspects who have several recorded complaints in their area”, Barotas said.
North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco, a member of the Manobo Dulangan community, has condemned the killing and ordered the police to arrest all the suspects involved.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113447
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