KAPAI, Lanao del Sur – Authorities confirmed Monday they have already identified the group responsible for the ambush resulted to the death of five PDEA agents Friday in Barangay Malna, here.
PRO-ARMM Regional director Police chief superintendent Graciano J. Mejares also revealed the real target of the perpetrators and as expected, drugs had something to do with the slayings.
Mejares said it was Police Chief Inspector Christopher A. Cabugwang, chief of Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU)/investigation who was supposedly the target of the ambush incident.
“We already have identified the group, the suspects, the persons of interests. And this has something to do with the anti-illegal drugs operation in connection to a high valued target personality which was killed in Marawi City,” said Mejares.
“Nakikita namin dito, this is a retaliatory act doon sa ginawa sa PDEA agents, considering the fact that they don’t know the difference between the PDEU which is the local police and PDEA. All the while they are thinking these personnel came from the same unit,” added Mejares.
Based on their investigation, this is the closest angle that they can see.
Mejares said a reenactment by the Philippine National Police together with the PDEA and Crime Lab in Lanao del Sur was done to determine reports that some personnel were not able to provide the proper security requirements to the PDEA agents who were ambushed.
The four escorts are already relieved from Tagoloan Police Station including the chief of police and they are under the custody of the Provincial Police Office. (Bonita L. Ermac)