Three individuals were killed while two others, including a municipal councilor, were injured in a shooting incident on October 7 in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Rahib Mamental Wahab, Udin Indaila Dalgan, and former soldier Madron Sumlay Endaila Jr. The injured were Endaila’s wife, Kadayangan Councilor Saida Felmin Endaila, and Lani Endaila Yusop.
According to police, unidentified gunmen aboard a white minivan opened fire at the victims, who were riding a Toyota Fortuner. The suspects immediately fled toward Barangay Malingao after the attack.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, but police have launched a pursuit operation to locate and arrest the suspects.
Midsayap Municipal Mayor Rolly Sacdalan strongly condemned the ambush and urged law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Local authorities have stepped up security measures in the area as the investigation continues, while residents expressed fear over the growing number of violent incidents in the region.
Police said follow-up operations are ongoing.
