1.2M Gold Deal Tragedy: Justice sought for 3 Maranao traders brutally killed in Lallo, Cagayan

Lal-lo, Cagayan - The Muslim community is calling for justice following the brutal killing of three Maranao traders in Lal-lo, Cagayan, on March 12, 2026. 

The victims were identified by the police as Salic Amerol, Mutalib Amerol, and Janisah Macud-Amerol, who resided in Tuguegarao City. 

 Initial information from police obtained by local media outlets indicated that the three, accompanied by two other relatives, travelled to Lal-lo that day to finalize a P1.2 million gold purchase. 

Upon arriving at the town center, they met their contact, who claimed the gold was being held in Barangay Sta. Teresa. Because there was not enough space in their service vehicle, Salic, Mutalib, and Janisah decided to go with the individual to the place, while their two siblings remained in the town center. 

However, instead of a legitimate transaction, the three were led to an isolated area in the barangay where they were killed. Their bodies were later found around 1:00 p.m.  

The two siblings who stayed behind fortunately escaped a similar fate. Based on their accounts, the suspects allegedly returned to their location using their own vehicle but managed to hide and survived a possible additional act of violence. 

Upon notification of the incident, authorities immediately proceeded to the crime scene and confirmed the incident.  

The large amount of money that the victims carried for the supposed deal was also missing. Police said this indicates that the crime was likely a setup where the primary objective of the suspects was to rob. 

The remains of the victims were brought to a masjid in the Muslim compound in Tuguegarao City, where relatives, friends, and members of the community mourn the loss.  

In an interview, Cagayan Police Provincial Office Director Police Colonel Mardito Anguluan said an in-depth investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances behind the heinous crime, focusing on identifying the individuals the victims supposedly met. 

Meanwhile, the Muslim community is appealing to anyone who can provide helpful information to come forward to help bring justice to the victims.