By JOHN PEPS DALES
MSU-Marawi Intern
SULTAN Kudarat Mayor Datu Tucao Mastura is offering a reward money amounting to a million pesos for the arrest of the suspects behind the killing of Bai Sittie Jinn Utto Lumenda, former vice mayor of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur.
The mayor, together with his wife, Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura, attended the Ta'ziyah (seven days) of the late former vice mayor yesterday, July 17, at the Municipal Gym in Zapakan, Rajah Buayan.
On July 12, the former vice mayor was headed home from Tacurong City after picking up her father, Datu Jonathan Lumenda, who just finished his dialysis treatment when riding in tandem attacked and fired shots at them in Barangay Pinguiaman, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.
The former vice mayor was declared dead on the spot while her father was rushed and is currently recovering in a hospital.
The family and relatives are now seeking justice for the sudden death of the former vice mayor.
Her aunt, Lea Lumenda, opposed the rumors about a possible conflict of interest leading to the death of her niece.
“Gustong-gusto siya nang marami, marami siyang na-resolve na problema dito sa bayan ng Rajah Buayan kaya wala kaming alam na magiging kaaway niya,” she said.
However, she revealed that two weeks ago, the former vice mayor declared her interest in running as the captain of their barangay which they believe is a possible angle for the crime.
Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office condemned the shooting incident and Director Police Col. Ruel Sermese affirmed that they are in close coordination with the Sultan Kudarat PNP to identify the suspects.
