NBI arrests Marawi vice mayor over 2013 Caloocan murder

MANILA, Philippines – Authorities arrested on Monday, December 2, the vice mayor of Marawi City in connection with murder and attempted murder cases in Caloocan City.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Vice Mayor Anouar Abdulrauf was arrested at the Marawi city hall compound based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Ma. Rowena Violago Alejandria of the Regional Trial Court Branch 121 in Caloocan City.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the vice mayor’s real name is Anwar Abedin Romuros and used Anouar Abedin Romuros Abdulrauf.

The case against Abdulrauf stemmed from a 2013 incident in Tala, Caloocan City, where an armed group, allegedly including Abdulrauf, clashed with NBI agents executing a search warrant for a drug violation. 

The shooting led to the death of Latip Sultan and injuries to other NBI agents. 

Sultan’s wife subsequently filed the case, and a key witness, identified Abdulrauf as one of the attackers.

Abdulrauf was taken into custody, but the others implicated in the case remain at large. The NBI said it has launched a manhunt to track them down.

The warrant was served by the NBI with the help of the Army, Task Force Marawi, and Task Force Oro from Cagayan de Oro City. – Rappler.com