4 persons of interest eyed in poll exec’s slay

COTABATO CITY, Philippines —Police are eyeing at least four persons of interest in the fatal ambush of a municipal election officer and her husband in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte last week.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Bangsamoro police director, yesterday said that initial investigation showed the murder of election officer Bai Maceda Abo and her husband could be job-related.

Macapaz said probers have four persons of interest in the case, but withheld their identities so as not to compromise the investigation.

He said efforts to locate the persons of interest are ongoing.

Macapaz said Bai was the target of the attack that occurred along the highway in Barangay Makir on March 26.

The victims were in a Toyota Fortuner on their way to the town proper of Datu Odin Sinsuat when gunmen attacked them.

The incident prompted the Commission on Elections to consider placing the town under Comelec control.

Relatives and friends of the victims expressed belief the killing was related to the work of Bai.

Macapaz said more policemen have been deployed in Datu Odin Sinsuat to ensure peaceful, orderly and clean elections on May 12.

He said election officers in the Bangsamoro region have been provided with police escorts to ensure their safety and security.