Raps filed vs suspects in Maguindanao town vice mayor's killing

A complaint has been filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 13 persons, including three local officials, for the killing of Barira, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Alexander Tomawis in November last year. The respondents included Khadaffy Osmeña, the alleged gunman; Maguindanao Vice Governor Dustin Mastura; Sultan Kudarat Mayor Tucao Mastura; and Sultan Mastura Mayor Armando Mastura. GMANews.TV was still trying to get in touch with the respondents as of posting time, but in earlier reports, Tucao Mastura denied the accusation and said a group may be taking advantage of Tomawis’ killing to ruin their reputation. Other respondents are a certain Datu Teng Diocolano, Commander Laban Ibrahim Conding, Ustadz Alli Limbona, Rosalim Bangon, Raul Tomawis, Ibrahim Tucas, Abo Talib, Hadji Gafur, and Hadji Abdullah Oranto. The complaint was filed by Tomawis’ wife, Buldon Mayor Bai Fatima Ruth Tomawis. Senior Superintendent Pedro Cabatingan of the Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Davao said the killing was “political" in nature. “We believe that this is a conspiracy," he told reporters in Manila on Thursday. Tomawis’ nephew, lawyer Mimbalawag Mangutara Jr., said they will leave it to the DOJ to look over the case. He said they are confident with evidence that they have against the accused. Tomawis was shot in the head at around 10:45 a.m. last Nov. 28, 2010 by motorcycle-riding suspects in Buhangin district, Davao City. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMANews.TV