DAVAO CITY – Two security escorts of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu face murder charges filed last Friday by the wife of the slain aide of former Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., Tamano Kagi Kamendan, who was allegedly gunned down by suspects last Thursday evening inside Gaisano Southmall along Ilustre St., this city.

Accompanied by Ampatuan counsel lawyer Philip Pantojan, Natividad de Arce Kamendan filed a murder case against PO1 Surab Bantas and PO1 Ibrahim Langalen, and Mangudadatu before Fiscal Jofre Saniel at the City Prosecutors Office.

In her affidavit, Kamendan accused Mangudadatu of ordering the killing, contrary to reports that the victim grappled with the bodyguards for their firearms.

“Walang agawan ng baril na nangyari. Inutusan niya ang mga bodyguard niya na barilin ang asawa ko," she said.

Kamendan said she hid inside a stockroom after seeing Mangudadatu point at her.

"Nagtago na ako kasi tinuturo niya ako na parang ako ang susunod na babarilin," Kamendan said.

The suspects are detained at the San Pedro police station here.

In an interview, San Pedro Police chief Caezar Cabuhat said the suspects were claiming they acted on self-defense.