Gunmen in fatal Cotabato ambush identified

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Police have identified the gunmen behind the fatal ambush of three people including two minors in Carmen, Cotabato on Saturday.

Authorities withheld the names of the suspects so as not to compromise the investigation.

The suspects shot dead Norhan Alim Makulintang, 29, his five-year-old son Norolan and nine-year-old nephew Umbra along the highway in Barangay General Luna.

Makulintang and his son died at the scene of the attack while Umbra was rushed to a hospital where he died while being treated.

Makulintang, a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was initially identified by relatives as Norman Makasasa, his alias in the MILF.

Col. Gilbert Tuzon, Cotabato police director, said local officials and residents of Barangay General Luna positively identified the gunmen who ambushed Makulintang and the children.