Even when fired upon, they had to continue, says Pantao Ragat mayor

By Nora Soriño
Iligan City Bureau Chief
and Nene Lachica
Correspondent .

Iligan City — They had to continue, even when they were fired upon already, otherwise they’d all end up dead.

Thus said Pantao Ragat, Lanao Norte Mayor Mohammad Lacson Lantud in the aftermath of the ambush that left four dead and three wounded.

To recall, the incident happened last Sunday when the mayor was on the way to inspect a project in Barangay Cabasagan.

At least 10 people fired on them by the side of the road. Dead on the spot was Khaliq Disamburon of Barangay Lomidong, and Tarapa Saro, a civilian escort. Retired policeman Hasanoding  Hasim, died upon reaching Baloi Provincial Hospital, while PO1 Mahid Macalaba died upon reaching a hospital in Iligan City.

There are at least three who are currently in a hospital in Iligan. Lantud was unscathed as it was learned that the firing occurred at the right side of the road while he was on the left side driving the vehicle, a pick-up truck.

The police chief of the municipality, Senior Insp. Recto Iwangan said the incident might be a case of “rido” or “away sa angkan.”

Police Director for Northern Mindanao Timoteo Pacleb has already created another investigation task group to probe the incident.