EIGHT persons have been charged for the killing of five anti-narcotics agents and the wounding of two other personnel in an ambush in Kapai, Lanao del Sur.

The suspects, who are all related by blood, are allegedly related to Comayug Macapagal, a drug personality in Marawi City who was killed during an anti-illegal drugs operations on August 8.

Charged with multiple murder and double frustrated murder were Oscar Capal Gandawali, Palawan Salem Macalabo, Lala Lolo Amboloto, Jamal Lolo Amboloto, Mizangcad Panonde Gandawali, Aiman Guro Gandawali, Jamel Borar and William Gandawali.

“According to reports, since the said incident his relatives have threatened to retaliate against government troops. Oscar Capal Gandawali, his (Macapagal) nephew, who has been living with him in Marawi City, where he was killed have organized his close relatives that at any oppurtune time they will have revenge,” the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) said in a statement.

Armed with a search warrant issued by the Lanao del Sur Regional Trial Court, the police conducted on Tuesday, October 9, a raid at the residence of William Gandawali.

The suspect was not in his house during the raid but the police recovered several firearms there including one Colt caliber 45 pistol with inserted magazine loaded with two live ammunitions, one 5.56 Elisco m16 rifle with inserted short magazine loaded with 13 live ammunitions and one live ammunition for caliber 9mm pistol.

“Further investigation and massive intelligence operations are now being conducted by the PNP and AFP to know the whereabouts of the suspects,” the police said.

Kenneth Tabulo, Kristine Mae Torlao, Lores Joy Amar, Binzo Dipolla and Diobel Pacinio were killed in an ambush in Barangay Malna in Kapai on October 5.

Two others, including a non-uniformed police personnel, were wounded.

Authorities said the victims were on board a van going towards Marawi City after attending a program for drug surrenderers in Tagoloan town, Lanao del Sur when they were ambushed. (SunStar Philippines)