Marawi vice mayor nabbed for murder

National

MARAWI Vice Mayor Annouar Romuros Abedin Abdulrauf has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for murder.

Abdulrauf was arrested by personnel from NBI at the Hall of Justice in Marawi City after the flag-raising ceremony at the Marawi City Hall, on Monday, December 2.

NBI served the arrest warrant issued by Judge Ma. Rowena Violago Alejandria of the Regional Trial Court Branch 121 in Caloocan City in connection with the murder and attempted murder cases that happened in Caloocan City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the Vice Mayor is using the name Anouar Abedin Romuros Abdulrauf, while his true name is Anwar Abedin Romuros.

The arrest happened in coordination with the Philippine Army, Task Force Marawi and Task Force Oro Cagayan De Oro City.

The murder and attempted murder case stemmed from the 2013 incident in Tala, Caloocan City when NBI agents were implementing the warrant for a drug violation, when an armed group including Abdulrauf clashed resulting in the death of a certain Latip Sultan and wounded several others.

“The killing of the victim happened during a legitimate service of a Search Warrant for violation of RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act) by NBI CID-IS in Tala, Caloocan City in 2013,” the NBI said.

The cases were filed by Sultan’s wife.

A key witness positively identified the incumbent vice mayor.

Other accused in the case remained at large.(LAO)