Militiaman killed in daring North Cotabato gun attack

Militiaman killed in daring North Cotabato gun attackNORTH COTABATO ---Three gunmen shot dead a popular member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Midsayap, North Cotabato Monday.Superintendent Gilbert Tuzon of the Midsayap municipal police said Tuesday the victim, Toto Paguilidan Sumlay, died on the spot from gunshot wounds sustained in the attack.Sumlay was known in Midsayap for his extensive voluntary involvement in security missions of the police and military against local Islamic militants trying to disunite peacefully co-existing Muslim and Christian communities.Tuzon said three men casually approached the off-duty Sumlay while in the residential yard of a relative in Barangay 7 in Midsayap, pulled out .45 caliber pistols from their waists and opened fire.Investigators are still trying to determine if the murder of Sumlay was related to an old grudge, or might have stemmed from his being a militiaman helping secure areas vulnerable to attacks by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.Tuzon said they are not discounting the possibility that three men who killed Sumlay could be hired killers too.He said probers have enlisted the help of barangay officials and traditional community elders in identifying the culprits.