MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — A 45-year-old man was shot dead inside the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus in Barangay Dimalna, Marawi City, on Thursday afternoon, October 8, as police launched a manhunt for four unidentified suspects who allegedly carried out the attack.
The Marawi City Police Station identified the victim as Hadji Naim Mamao Ameril, known as “Hadji,” a resident of the university campus.
Initial police investigation indicated that the victim was riding a Honda motorcycle without a license plate when four men aboard two Yamaha NMAX motorcycles allegedly followed him along 7th Street at around 3:45 p.m.
Upon reaching the area, the suspects allegedly opened fire on Ameril using a firearm believed to be a .45-caliber pistol. He sustained gunshot wounds to the cheek and neck, resulting in his immediate death.
The suspects reportedly fled on their motorcycles toward an undetermined direction after the shooting.
Five Spent Shells Recovered
Responding personnel from the Marawi City Police Station and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office arrived at the scene but found that the victim’s family had already retrieved his remains and brought them to their residence.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) personnel subsequently processed the crime scene and recovered five fired cartridge cases and one slug believed to be associated with the firearm used in the attack.
The recovered ballistic evidence is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting.
Manhunt and Checkpoints Launched
Following the incident, the Marawi City Police Station, in coordination with Task Force Marawi, launched hot pursuit and dragnet operations to track down the four suspects.
Police also established checkpoints and coordinated with the Marantao, Ditsaan-Ramain and Saguiaran municipal police stations to help prevent the suspects from escaping and facilitate their possible arrest.
Authorities have yet to identify the suspects publicly, and the motive behind the killing remains under investigation.
Police are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, identify those responsible and determine the motive for the attack.
The suspects remain at large as of the latest information provided by authorities.