KIDAPAWAN CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 16, 2011) – President Benigno Aquino has ordered an investigation into the failed assassination of a provincial governor and a political ally in the restive southern region of Mindanao.
Manila has condemned the attack on Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, whose convoy was bombed on Monday afternoon as it passed Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province.
He survived the bombing, but a politician in his convoy was killed, including an innocent civilian, in the attack blamed by the police to Mangudadatu’s political opponents. Police said a car bomb was detonated as the convoy passed.
“We condemn the attempted assassination of Maguindanao Governor Toto Mangudadatu in the strongest terms. The attack, which claimed one life and left several wounded, comes at a time when the Peace Process and efforts to achieve justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre are moving forward.’
“Attempts such as this one can only serve the ends of the enemies of peace, stability and prosperity in ARMM. (Interior and Local Government) Sec. (Jesse) Robredo has informed us that there are initial leads. The ownership of the car that was blown up has been identified. The authorities will pursue all leads with vigor,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
Police investigation is still going, but initial reports said a 105mm projectile was allegedly used to bomb the convoy that also wounded 6 other people - Russman Sinsuat Jr., Noble Abdullah, Richard Sonza, Bebot Barabarang, Mabang Antonio Algaba and Robert Formacion.
Police traced the owner of the car through its government registration, but investigators said the vehicle could have been stolen. (Mindanao Examiner)
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