Hunt is on for ‘killer’ soldier

COTABATO CITY – Security forces were hunting down a Muslim soldier who gunned down his superior and another infantryman, and shot and wounded 5 more in a treacherous attack during an operation against pro-ISIS group in Lanao del Sur’s Pagayawan town, officials said Friday.

Officials said Corporal Nao Mohammad Lassam escaped after the Christmas Eve shooting that killed 2^nd Lieutenant Mark Linne Banua and Sergeant Jhanjihan Carumba.

Lassam was guiding the small army unit in the search for militants when he opened fire on the troops using his assault rifle. He escaped after the attack.

 Soldiers pay their last respect to ^2nd Lieutenant Mark Linne Banua

The body of Banua was buried Friday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. It was unclear what motivated Lassam – commander of a paramilitary unit in Binidayan town, about 28 kilometers from Pagayawan town - to attack his fellow soldiers

“Lassam was the commander of a CAFGU detachment in Binidayan, Lanao del Sur when he served as guide for the troops conducting clearing operations the night before,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, the Army spokesman.

“We are currently investigating the matter as we exhaust all means to locate the alleged perpetrator and bring him back to military control, where he will be given due process. The (Philippine Army) Commanding General (Lieutenant Gilbert Gapay) has ordered a manhunt to bring him back to face the bar of justice, as we encourage him to surrender. On the other hand we will provide the necessary assistance to the bereaved families,” he added.

The Army did not release the background of Lassam or if he was a former Moro rebel integrated into the military service. Thousands of former Moro National Liberation Front soldiers joined the military and police after it signed the September 1996 peace accord with Manila. (Mindanao Examiner)

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