Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. survived an ambush Friday afternoon, but four of his police escorts died in the attack.
Adiong was taken to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in the town of Kalilangan, where doctors declared him out of danger.
Andiong was traveling along the Wao-Marawi Road when unidentified gunmen attacked his convoy, killing four police escorts.
The attack occurred at Sitio Landslide, Amai Manabilang town in Lanao del Sur. The new national highway the governor was traveling on traverses a forest.
The convoy was on its way to Wao, Lanao del Sur.
Killed in the attack were Juraij Adiong, Aga Sumandar, Jalil Cosain and Kobi, the driver.
Lanao del Sur’s fragile peace is often mired by gun violence attributed to intense political rivalry.
Initial police reports said armed men open fire on Adiong’s vehicle as they traversed the Maguing section of the newly finished road connecting Marawi City and Bukidnon through Wao on a shorter route.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong issued a statement saying that his brother the governor was in stable condition.
“Through the Grace of Allah, Gov. Bombit is in very stable condition.
The worst has passed. He’s out of danger,” the statement said.
“We are heartbroken over the deaths of his security details, all of whom are family members who were with my brother during the violent attack. We offer our deepest sympathies to all our bereaved loved ones.
“We implore the authorities to act with urgency and utilize all legal means available to pursue and bring the perpetrators to justice. This condemnable act must not be taken lightly,” Rep. Adiong said.
“May peace prevail in our beloved Lanao del Sur.”
Unofficial reports showed that Adiong’s gray Toyota Hi-Lux pickup truck was trailed and overtaken by the car of the assailants, who fired at his vehicle as they passed. The governor’s vehicle had apparently detoured to the right by a roadside hill.
Escorts boarding a black pickup convoy vehicle were able to fire backand cover the governor’s vehicle, initial reports from the crime scene said.
An escort seated by the front passenger’s seat and another on the right rear seat were fatally wounded, police said.
The governor was checking on some finishing work on the new road. Like his father, the late Gov. Mamintal “Mike” Adiong Sr., Bombit Andiong is an engineer by profession.