Another suspect in ambush on Lanao del Sur governor arrested

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — Another suspect in the ambush on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong was arrested on Saturday, the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) announced on Tuesday.

The PNP-CIDG said the 52-year-old suspect, Ameno Amatonding, was arrested around 5 p.m. in Barangay Aguisan in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental.

«Amatonding was positively identified by a witness based on his statement on the ambush of Gov. Adiong [that] happened last Feb. 17, 2023,» CIDG chief Major General Romeo Caramat said.

Adiong survived the attack on his convoy, but four of his aides were killed.

READ: Lanao del Sur governor hurt, 4 dead in ambush

Police said a warrant of arrest was issued against Amatonding for 19 counts of attempted murder, four counts of murder, and three counts of frustrated murder.

In May, authorities reported that the «primary suspect» in the ambush was arrested in South Cotabato.

The PNP earlier said the case was considered «solved» following the arrest of three suspects in Bukidnon in March.