A Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander was killed, and his companion was injured after an ambush by unidentified gunmen along the Sultan Kudarat-Cotabato City-Datu Odin Sinsuat Diversion Road on Sunday, October 13.
According to Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) OIC Director PCOL. Michael John Mangahis, the incident occurred around 12:00 PM, with the report reaching authorities at 12:32 PM, prompting an immediate response.
The victims were identified as Hadji Norodin Alipulo Mama, a Deputy Battalion Commander of the MILF 2nd Brigade in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Esmael Zainodin Balabagan, a resident of Dinaig Proper, who sustained injuries.
Reports from the Cotabato City Police Office and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region indicate that the victims were in a red multicab when unknown assailants opened fire before fleeing the scene on motorcycles.
The ambush occurred as Mama was driving towards the Kakar area in Cotabato City from Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Mangahis added that investigators are still determining the type of ammunition used, pending results from the forensic team.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the motive and the individuals behind the attack.