Lanao cop exec dies in ambush

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines – The chief of police of Poona Bayabao town was killed in an ambush on Monday night.

Inspector Darangina Ditucalan and his companions were in a patrol car along a secluded stretch of a main road when they were waylaid. Ditucalan died at the scene.

In a statement, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police said they are still trying to determine the identities of the gunmen.

Probers are eyeing clan war as the motive for the attack.

The family of Ditucalan, an ethnic Maranaw, is reportedly locked in a dispute with an influential family in the province.