BEHIND BARS. The custodial facility of Police Station 1 in Cotabato City holds a dozen suspects, including an aspiring village chairman and a police officer, for the killing of two candidates for village council and a supporter in Barangay Rosary Heights 12 on Oct. 23, 2023. The suspects have been charged Wednesday (Oct. 25, 2023) with multiple murder and double frustrated murder before the city prosecutor’s office. (Photo courtesy of Radio DXMS-Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – Police have filed multiple murder and double frustrated murder charges before the city prosecutor’s office Wednesday against a candidate for village chair, a police officer, and 10 others for the killing here of three men, including two candidates for village council members.
Capt. Jemu Ramolete, chief of Cotabato City Police Station 1, said two of those charged are Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul, a candidate for village chairperson, and Master Sgt. Pauti Dianal Mamalapat of the Maguindanao del Sur police office, both of Barangay Rosary Height 12.
Ten other relatives and supporters of Abdul are also charged with violation of the election gun ban. Six of the arrested are from Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur, while four others are city residents.
Police and Marine troopers seized an M16 rifle, two handguns, and ammunition from the suspects.
Col. Querubin Manalang, city police director, said the suspects were arrested following the killing of Nur Moqtadin Butucan, candidate for village council of Rosary Heights12, Alfar Ayunan Pasawilan, candidate for village council member of Barangay Kalanganan 2 and a supporter, Faizal Abas, also from Kalanganan 2, on Monday night.
Injured in the 9:30 p.m. attack were Saipol Sapalon and Fayed Daud, both residents of Barangay Kalanganan 2.
Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, said initial investigation showed that the victims were hanging campaign posters in Barangay RH-12 when they were fired upon by gunmen. (PNA)
