Manhunt launched for suspects in slay of Marawi restaurant owners
CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao del Norte — Police have launched a manhunt for two men believed to be behind the killing of a couple who owned a restaurant in Marawi City on Friday morning.
Col. Robert Daculan, Lanao del Sur police director, said the bodies of Bairah Sangcaan Monte, 56, of Molundo, and her husband, Usodan Hadjicaya Monte, 58, of Tamparan, were discovered in the basement of their restaurant, B&E Inasal, in Barangay Sarimanok around 7 a.m. on May 16.
The victims bore hack wounds to the head and body and died on the spot, according to a police report submitted to Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police.
“We condemn the killing of the couple and we are tracking the suspects,” Daculan said in a statement Saturday.
“Rest assured of our in-depth investigation to bring these criminals behind bars,” he added, noting that two persons of interest have already been identified.
Witnesses told investigators the suspects were two male helpers at the restaurant, estimated to be between 20 and 25 years old and believed to be residents of Butuan City.
Maj. Salahuddin Basher, spokesperson for the Lanao del Sur police, said the couple’s bedroom was found in disarray, suggesting robbery may have been a motive.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra has ordered police to thoroughly investigate the incident and file appropriate charges once the suspects are identified.
“The loss of life is always a matter of great concern to the PNP,” said Lt. Col. Muhidin Pagayawan, Marawi City police chief. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that due process is followed in all aspects of the investigation.”
