AMBUSH SUSPECT. The mugshot of ambush suspect Jamal Balindong Pumbaya, who was arrested on Tuesday (Sept. 28, 2022) in connection with the ambush and wounding of three Marine troopers in Picong, Lanao del Sur on Sept. 25, 2022. The suspect is facing charges of multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of firearms. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY – Backed by Marine troopers, police have arrested a suspect behind the Sept. 25 ambush of Philippine Marines personnel in Picong, Lanao del Sur.
Lt. Colonel Serge Ronquillo, the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-2) commander, said Wednesday that Jamal Balindong Pumbaya did not resist when arrested Tuesday afternoon after several witnesses testified he was the gunman.
On Sept. 25, a group of Marines onboard a KM450 military vehicle was patrolling the vicinity of Barangay Punong in Picong around 6 p.m. when Pumbaya, who was allegedly armed with an assault rifle, opened fire and quickly fled under the cover of darkness.
Three Marine troopers, identified as Privates First Class Stephen Saragal and Elijah Taccas and Private Romy Torallo Jr., all of MBLT-2, were injured in the incident.
Pumbaya is now detained at Picong municipal police station detention facility awaiting charges for multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of firearms. (PNA)
