Maguindanao treasurer survives robbery try

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A foiled robbery attempt on Maguindanao provincial treasurer Osmenia Bandila led to a gun battle that he survived but left two of his police escorts wounded.

Police Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao provincial police chief, said several armed men tried to stop Bandila’s SUV along the Barangay Macasampen highway in Guindulungan town, Maguindanao, Friday afternoon, December 13.

The treasurer’s group was travelling from Cotabato City to Buluan town at around 3 pm.

“I was informed by the treasurer that they were ambushed. Maybe the suspects thought they were bringing huge amount of money. There was none actually,” said Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu.

Bandila’s police escorts managed to fight back against the suspected robbers, who had opened fire using high-powered firearms.

After a short exchange of fire, Bandila’s group turned back to Cotabato City to bring the wounded policemen to safety. They were rescued by responding police and Army personnel from a nearby checkpoint.

A red Tamaraw FX believed to be the suspects’ get-away car was left in the crime scene.

Mangudadatu condemned this recent violence in the province and vowed to have a thorough investigation conducted. – Rappler.com