Google map of Midsayap, North Cotabato.
COTABATO CITY – Authorities are now tracking down a group of armed men who ambushed and killed three farmers in Midsayap, North Cotabato, Tuesday night.
Lt. Col. Benito Rotia Jr., Midsayap police chief, said they already have the identities of the suspects but declined to divulge further details as not to jeopardize the ongoing operation.
“They (suspects) were nowhere to be found in the area where they were last seen together,” Rotia said, adding that two of the suspects have pending warrants of arrest.
He identified the fatalities as Ogie Bantas, 40; Ismael Sumunsang, 40; and Mutalib Salungon, all residents of the farming village of Tugal, Midsayap.
Police said victims were on their way home around 8:30 p.m. after attending to the irrigation system of their rice fields when they were gunned down by the assailants armed with M14 rifles.
The attackers fled the scene after the incident.
Police said the ambush-slay could have been triggered by a quarrel by the victims with other farmers in Tugal, noting that feuds emanating from land squabbles have long plagued the area.
Rotia said prior to their deaths, the victims were also instrumental in the arrest of a long-wanted drug suspect in the area, working closely with military and police authorities as field assets. (PNA)
