‘Persons of interest’ hunted in Sultan Kudarat ambush of 2 cops

COTABATO CITY – Police have launched a massive search for several “persons of interest” in the ambush-slay of two police officers on Tuesday night in Barangay Tinumiguis, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office (PRO-12) regional director, said among the possible perpetrators could be civilians intercepted by police for various violations during checkpoint operations in the borders of Lambayong town and Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.

The two police officers, Patrolman Joerel Bullos and Patrolman Apollo Pagurayan, were on board a motorcycle heading to their base after security operations in the boundary of Lambayong and Sultan sa Barongis towns, when ambushed by M16-wielding gunmen as they passed by the Tinumiguis bridge at 7 p.m.

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READ: 2 cops slain in Sultan Kudarat ambush

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“We have persons of interest, and we are searching for them. In due time, justice will be served,” Manibog said.

The slain police officers both belonged to the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB 12).

Maj. Leonel Delasan, Lambayong police acting chief, said investigators found several empty shells of an M-16 rifle and live ammunition at the crime scene and atop a bridge where the lawmen fell.

The Sultan Kudarat police provincial office, headed by Col. Marvin Fontalva, has condemned the ambush-slay and condoled with the families of Pagurayan and Bullos.

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In a statement, South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr, also condoled with the families of slain police officers.

“We stand united in prayer, asking for strength, comfort, and hope for those left behind. May justice prevail and may those responsible for this crime be held accountable without delay,” Tamayo said.

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Patrolman Bullos is from Tupi, South Cotabato./coa

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