Authorities are investigating an ambush that left two men injured along the National Highway in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
The victims were identified as Asmodin Abitan Amelon, a 30-year-old driver and provincial government employee, and Engineer Amarodin Hadji Sangki Esmael, a 38-year-old from the Provincial Engineering Office.
Amelon sustained a critical head injury, while Esmael suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand during the attack at 7:45 AM on December 2, 2024.
Two other passengers, a 27-year-old man and a public school teacher, escaped unhurt.
According to Isulan PNP Chief PLt. Col. Julius Malcontento, the victims were traveling in a pick-up truck from Ampatuan to Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur when ambushed.
The suspects, riding a Honda XRM motorcycle, opened fire and fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Despite injuries, the driver managed to drive the vehicle to the hospital for treatment.
Police recovered four .45-caliber cartridges at the crime scene and have launched hot pursuit operations to apprehend the suspects.
Initial leads have been identified, and authorities are gathering additional evidence, including CCTV footage, to aid in the investigation.