Murder raps filed vs Zamboanga Sibugay mayor killers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The police formally filed Wednesday criminal charges against seven suspects behind the ambush of Tungawan town mayor in Zamboanga Sibugay last October, according to official.

Chief Inspector Edwin Verzon, police Information officer of the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO), said the case was filed following the result of a consolidated investigation on the murder of Tungawan Mayor Randy Adlawan Climaco. 

Based on the investigation, the suspects attacked after outgoing Mayor Climaco, who is serving his third and last term, filed his certificate of candidacy to run for vice mayor in his municipality.

Climaco died on the spot while his companions Vice Mayor Abison Abduraok, driver Charlie dela Cruz, barangay captain Ernesto Segualan, Fortunato Mangubat, Carlnan Climaco and Jembot Recalde were rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Verzon said the cases were filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s office in Ipil town about 3:40 p.m. Wednesday. The seven suspects were charged with murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder.

Verzon said they could not reveal the identity of the suspects to the public since their arrest is still ongoing.

According to Verzon, the suspects listed in the gallery of lawless elements operating in Tungawan town were positively identified by witnesses and survivors of the ambush.