Tubaran, Lanao del Sur – The family of Lahmudin Minalang, a fish vendor who was brutally murdered, has identified the suspected perpetrators, according to his uncle, Abdullah Engkongan.
Engkongan, along with his children and other relatives, discovered the victim’s body in a forested area in Barangay Fitta, Tubaran. The grim discovery came after persistent inquiries with local residents, which revealed the location of the shallow grave. Engkongan stated that the very individuals they questioned turned out to be responsible for the crime.
Minalang had gone missing on Sunday, January 3, while on his way to Marogong to sell fish sourced from Pahamudin, SGA-BARMM, a livelihood he depended on to support his wife and two young children.
The victim was found lifeless yesterday afternoon, with signs of torture and fatal gunshot wounds to his head and chest. His body was buried in a shallow grave, indicating a heinous crime carried out without remorse.
According to Engkongan, a father and son were identified as the suspects, with the revelation coming from the wife of one of them. Meanwhile, the victim’s motorcycle is now in police custody, and a report has been filed regarding the incident.
The brutal killing has drawn condemnation from several Maranao religious leaders, who decried the senseless violence against a man merely trying to make an honest living.
The victim’s family is calling on authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government unit of Tubaran, to deliver justice for Lahmudin Minalang. They hope that the perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions and that such a tragedy will never happen again.
This incident underscores the urgent need for peace and justice in communities, ensuring the safety of those striving to support their families through honest work.
