The said areas were Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and 63 barangays in North Cotabato, which are under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
Azurin said they find the suspension of PTCFOR in the area necessary considering the series of crimes ongoing in these locations and to prevent the escalation of the situation following the incident.
He said the ambush could be a case of “rido” or clan feuds but investigators are looking for all the other possible motives for the incident.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. condemned the incident as he ordered the police to conduct an in-depth probe.
Adiong and one of his staff members Ali Macapado Tabao were injured while four of his other staff were killed when their convoy was ambushed by still unidentified gunmen around 4 p.m. on Friday, February 17, while they were on their way to Wao town.
Lanao del Sur First District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, brother of Mamintal, said the governor is already out of danger. (SunStar Philippines)