CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao del Norte – A joint AFP and PNP operation successfully captured the principal suspect in the ambush of the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. this Thursday afternoon (May 25, 2023). where three police escorts and a driver died in February this year. The said suspect was unable to escape after being intercepted at the designated checkpoint in Sitio Morales, Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato.
Colonel Andre Santos, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, said the apprehended suspect was identified as Lomala Baratumo, alias Commander Lomala, 42-years-old with a standing warrant of arrest in a case of murder where no bail was recommended by the 12th Judicial Region, Branch 8, Marawi City. The suspect is PRO BARMM’s No.5 Most Wanted Person and Lanao del Sur’s No.1 Most Wanted Person.
“Since this February, the efforts of the Joint Task Force Central, 6th Infantry Division, 1st Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police have been combined to trace the suspect, Commander Lomala”, according to Col. saint
The good Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr also thanked Maj Gen Alex Rillera for all the help to capture this Commander Lomala who almost became the match of his life. Maj General Rillera is the Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central which covers the area where Commander Lomala was captured.
Major General Alex Rillera praised the Army and PNP for the success of the operation and the capture of the suspect.
“The arrest of the suspect only proves the importance and effectiveness of our established checkpoints. This is an effort with our Units on the ground and those in charge of our Patrol Bases where we have been working continuously for several months to track down and capture Lomala,” said the 6ID and JTFC Commander.
The suspect was immediately placed under the custody of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office and turned over to the Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for appropriate disposition.
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