Lanao del Sur Gov. Adiong hurt, 4 others killed in ambush

MANILA (2nd UPDATE)— Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was injured after unidentified gunmen ambushed his convoy Friday, police said.

Adiong and his staff member, Ali Macapado Tabao, sustained gunshot wounds and are now being treated in Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Kalilangan town, according to the municipal police station.

Four others were reportedly killed in the ambush.

After attending an event, Adiong's convoy was ambushed at around 4 p.m. in Maguing town by unknown perpetrators, said the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

The convoy was supposed to get to Wao town.

"Governor Bombit Adiong is safe and out of danger," the governor's office said Friday night.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, brother of Mamintal, said the governor is in "very stable condition" and the "worst has passed."

"He’s out of danger. 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 of our bereaved loved ones," Zia said.

"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. May peace prevail in our beloved Lanao del Sur," he added.

Bangsamoro Police Regional Office director P/Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon said in an interview that authorities are pursuing the gunmen behind the attack.

Guyguyon told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo that police have not yet found any motives or anyone who has reasons for the ambush.