Marawi City—Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Bombit Adiong Jr. has reiterated his call for the extension of the state of martial law in Mindanao, particularly in his province.
Adiong’s call came in the wake of the killing last week of Police Officer Amen Lucman Macalangan, acting municipal police chief of Binidayan, Lanao del Sur, and his companion in Pagayawan town by still unidentified attackers.
The governor also sought public support for the police and military pursuit operations against suspects in the killing of another town chief of police and a Philippine Army Scout Ranger last week.
“Due to the killing of a police officer and soldiers in Pagayawan, Governor Mamintal Bombit Alonto Adiong Jr. reiterates the call for the extension of martial law,” a statement released Sunday by the Lanao Sur Provincial Information Office said.
“The security sector is out maintaining peace and order in Lanao del Sur. We condemn the killing of Police Officer Amen Lucman Macalangan, OIC of the Binidayan MPS, and his companion in the Municipality of Pagayawan by unknown perpetrators. Macalangan was passionate in his anti-criminality campaign and we applaud his dedication and hard work,” the statement added.
Adiong urged the Philippine National Police “to be both vigilant and rigorous in (its pursuit) of those behind the merciless killings.”
“I also ask the public to bring any useful information to the police for prompt resolution of this case,” he said.