Vice Mayor Atty. Omar Samama was shot while delivering a speech at a relief operation in Barangay Magaslong on Monday morning. The attack, which happened in front of a crowd, was caught on video.
Samama, who is also a United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) vice mayoralty candidate, was addressing his constituents when an unidentified gunman opened fire. The vice mayor was immediately rushed to the hospital and is now in stable condition, according to a Facebook post by King Mangudadatu, board member of Maguindanao del Sur.
The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG-BARMM) condemned the brazen attack, calling it a senseless and cowardly act that has no place in a peaceful Bangsamoro. The agency has demanded a swift investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his Facebook post, Mangudadatu described Samama as a kind and generous leader who has always been dedicated to public service. He also shared that Samama has received an outpouring of support from his community and fellow officials following the shooting.
Meanwhile, authorities are currently conducting an in-depth probe to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the assassination attempt.
