Sultan Kudarat ambush killing of 2 cops eyed as work-related

COTABATO CITY — Condemnation and cries for justice have mounted over the ambush that killed two police officers in Sultan Kudarat Tuesday evening, with authorities eyeing the motive as “work-related.” Patrolmen Joerel Bullos and Apollo Pagurayan were ambushed in Barangay Tinumiguis, Lambayong town at around 7 p.m. They were riding a motorcycle — heading back to their border control checkpoint in the boundary of Lambayong town and Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur — when ambushed by gunmen wielding M16 rifles as they passed by the Tinumiguis Bridge. The slain police officers both belonged to the 1202nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12. READ: 2 cops slain in Sultan Kudarat ambush Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office 12 director, condemned the ambush while expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the slain policemen. He ordered an in-depth investigation on the ambush to bring the killers to the bar of justice, adding that investigators are looking into a work-related motive, citing the officers’ active role in law enforcement operations at the border control checkpoint. “They were aggressive in enforcing the law and had several significant accomplishments. Most likely, some individuals were offended by their strict implementation of the law,” Manibog said in a radio interview here. He noted that investigators have already identified several “persons of interest” in connection with the ambush, but he withheld further details to avoid compromising ongoing investigation. “We have persons of interest and we are searching for them. In due time, justice will be served,” he said. Following the incident, the official urged all police personnel in Region 12 to remain vigilant and observe heightened security measures while performing their duties, particularly those assigned in frontline law enforcement operations. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. also condoled with the families of the slain police officers and assailed the ambush. “We stand united in prayer, asking for strength, comfort, and hope for those left behind. May justice prevail and may those responsible for this crime be held accountable without delay,” Tamayo said in a statement. Patrolman Bullos is from Tupi, South Cotabato. Tupi Mayor Romeo Tamayo also expressed his condolences on the death of his constituent as well as his colleague. He described Bullos, a resident of Barangay Cebuano, “as a brave and dedicated law enforcer.” “We mourn the loss of a courageous defender of the law who served with courage, integrity, and selfless dedication. His heroism will never be forgotten by the people of Tupi and the entire province,” the mayor said. /das