AMPATUAN, Maguindanao Sur – Authorities in Ampatuan, Maguindanao Sur, have initiated a manhunt operation in pursuit of three assailants who tragically ended the life of a schoolteacher while stealing his motorcycle on the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2023, in Barangay Kauran.
The victim, identified as 30-year-old Charles Candolo Fuentes, served as a dedicated educator at Kauran Elementary School in Barangay Kauran, Ampatuan town. Captain Guiseppe Tamayo, the police chief of Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, confirmed the unfortunate incident.
According to Capt. Tamayo, this heartbreaking episode unfolded as Fuentes was on his way home and encountered two men who flagged him down along the national highway. It was a clear case of motorcycle theft, locally known as “agaw motor.” In a dreadful turn of events, one of the assailants seized Fuentes’ motorbike, while the other opened fire on the defenseless teacher, striking him in the head and body. The crime scene bore witness to two spent .45 caliber pistol shells.
Prompt action by the authorities led to the arrest of one of the suspects, who was apprehended while attempting to escape with the stolen motorcycle. This arrest was made possible with the assistance of the Philippine Army at a checkpoint situated in Barangay Kapinpilan, roughly 10 kilometers from the site of the crime.
As the investigation continues, Capt. Tamayo has requested that the identity of the detained suspect be withheld for security reasons. The police are committed to pursuing all leads in their quest for justice in this tragic incident.
