Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) – The former mayor of Talitay, Maguindanao was fatally shot by police after he allegedly tried to escape while being taken to Camp Crame in Quezon City on Thursday.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Montasir Sabal allegedly grabbed the firearm of one of his police escorts.
“Posing danger, the accompanying police officers prompted to use reasonable force that resulted in wounding the arrested person through the use of his firearm,” PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Albert Ferro said in his report to PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.
Sabal was declared dead at the San Juan Medical Center.
Wanted for illegal possession of firearms and explosives and drug charges, Sabal was arrested at the Batangas Port Wednesday night.
Police said cash, various weapons and ammunition, explosives, and illegal drugs were seized from the former mayor’s vehicle.
Sabal and his late brother, then vice mayor Abdul Wahab, were on President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug list, according to the PNP. The two were also linked to the deadly bombing in Davao City in 2016.
The PNP added that the former mayor was a “full-time supporter” and supplier of arms and explosives to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
