Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: WESTMINCOM: Primary suspect in ambush of Gov. Adiong nabbed in South Cotabato

Sunday, May 28, 2023

WESTMINCOM: Primary suspect in ambush of Gov. Adiong nabbed in South Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (May 27, 2023): Primary suspect in ambush of Gov. Adiong nabbed in South Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – May 27, 2023

Combined elements of the AFP and PNP successfully arrested on Thursday (May 25) the primary suspect in the ambush of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong, Jr.

Government forces from the 103rd Infantry Brigade and 1st Mechanized Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the PNP’s 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and 1st Lanao Provincial Mobile Force Company, conducted joint law enforcement operation along Central Surallah Highway, South Cotabato, which resulted in the apprehension of Saidamen Baratumo, a.k.a. Commander Lomala, the primary suspect in the February 17, 2023 ambush of Governor Adiong in Maguing, Lanao del Sur.

Operating troops executed the arrest through the non-bailable arrest warrant issued by Judge Samina Sampaco Macabando-Usman of Branch 8, 12th Judicial Region. The subject is the no. 1 Most Wanted Person (MWP) in Lanao del Sur and no. 5 PRO-BARMM’s list.

The subject is currently under the custody of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office. He will then be turned over to Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for proper disposition.

Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, lauded the troops of Joint Task Force ZamPeLan under Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Joint Task Force Central, led by Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, and the police for the successful arrest of the notorious personality.

“Rest assured that we will continue to support our police counterparts in the conduct of law enforcement operations in the western and central parts of Mindanao. Your armed forces are always here to serve and protect the communities from the evildoers,” Lt. Gen. Galido said.