COTABATO CITY — Regional officials on Thursday condemned the election-related killings here and in nearby Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur and vowed to cooperate in putting closure to these deadly incidents.

Brig. Gen. Allan C. Nobleza, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters via Viber message Thursday that criminal cases had been filed against 12 suspects detained over a gun attack that killed two aspirants for elective barangay posts in two areas here and their companion.

“We are doing our best to solve that atrocity, a deplorable offense,” Mr. Nobleza said.

Nur-Moqtadir S. Butucan, Alfar S. Ayunan, and Faisal M. Abas were setting up campaign posters on Monday night along Sousa Extension in Barangay Rosary Heights 12, here, when they were attacked by gunmen, killing all three of them instantly.

The slain Mr. Butucan and Mr. Ayunan were candidates for barangay councilor in Kalanganan 2 and in Rosary Heights 12 here, respectively.

Bangsamoro Local Government Naguib G. Sinarimbo on Thursday commended the Cotabato City Police Office and the Philippine Navy’s 5th Marine Battalion for the prompt arrest of the 12 men tagged in the attack.

“We condemn that senseless, barbaric act. The culprits must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law,” Mr. Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro regional government, told reporters Thursday.

Also, Mr. Sinarimbo said the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is supporting efforts to arrest the gunmen killed Kamar Bilao Bansil, candidate for chairman of Barangay Sigayan in Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur.

The ambush that happened last Wednesday left Bansil’s wife, Jasmin, and their son, Manmo, badly wounded.

“We have requested the local executives in Lanao del Sur and the officials of all units under the provincial police to do their best in locating the people behind that condemnable crime,” Mr. Sinarimbo, chairman of the multi-sector Regional Advisory Group of PRO-BAR, said. — John Felix M. Unson

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