Iligan lawmaker files murder raps vs suspects in ambush

ILIGAN CITY, Philippines – Iligan City Rep. Vicente Belmonte Jr. yesterday filed multiple murder charges against the suspects in the ambush on his convoy in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental last Dec. 11 that killed three of his aides and left him wounded.

Belmonte’s lawyers filed the complaint with the prosecutor’s office in Cagayan de Oro City around 2 p.m.

Belmonte said at least 17 persons were named as respondents. He said he would hold a press conference here today to discuss the details of the case.

Gunmen opened fire at Belmonte’s convoy of two vehicles as it left Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental, killing his driver and two of his bodyguards.

The alleged gunman, Dominador Tumala, said to be a former New People’s Army guerrilla turned gun-for-hire, was arrested after two days near the ambush site. He was found positive for gunpowder burns.

Upon interrogation, Tumala mentioned some names and pointed to a spot where at least four firearms – an armalite rifle, two baby armalites, a garand rifle – a hand grenade and live ammunition were hidden. A .45 caliber pistol was also found in a van that the suspects later burned, which was used to block Belmonte’s vehicle before they transferred to a waiting sport utility vehicle.

At least two persons named by Tumala were questioned, but were not considered as suspects. They were identified as a certain Dongkie and Kim.

The National Bureau of Investigation said the getaway vehicle was traced in Oroquieta City. Forensic tests showed that the vehicle was positive for bloodstains.