A LAWMAKER from Mindanao on Thursday appealed to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and to local authorities to investigate the recent twin ambush incidents that left one killed and two others critically wounded in Cotabato.
Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu of Maguindanao’s Second District made the call after former Barangay Chairman Basit Taguigaya of Saidon Municipality was killed while municipal treasurer of Ampatuan, Maguindanao Roshel Kuit and her husband Jeric were critically injured in two separate ambush incidents that transpired on Wednesday in Cotabato, Maguindanao.
“I am imploring Sec. Año and the local Maguindanao authorities to please investigate the cases. The victims, Basit and the Kuit couple are my friends and are close to my family. In fact, Basit was supposed to join me on the promulgation of the Maguindanao Massacre on the 19th,” said Mangudadatu, vice chairman of the House committees on local government, and on Mindanao Affairs.
Basit was shot in front of Cotabato City Hall while the Kuit couple’s vehicle was gunned down while traversing the stretch of Bagan, Saidona, a few meters away from an army camp and checkpoint.
“I am both bothered and shocked to learn that both incidents happened in areas where security were supposedly tight. …That is how brazen the perpetuators are,” Mangudadatu said.
He is also asking for stricter security measures be taken, particularly to the families of the victims. “I am appealing to Año to please step in and call for an investigation to allay our fears brought about by the killings and violence.”