Two male members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were shot dead in an ambush carried out by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay Linantangan on Monday afternoon.
Police identified the victims as Hairudin Zacaria, 27, and Jefry Baguilan, 28, both residents of Barangay Kaya-Kaya in the nearby town of Datu Abdullah Sangki.
According to PMaj. Guiseppe Tamayo, spokesperson of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the shooting occurred at around 2:10 p.m. while the victims were riding a motorcycle through Sitio Proper.
Eyewitnesses reported that multiple gunmen opened fire without warning, hitting both men multiple times and killing them instantly. The assailants fled the scene with the victims’ motorcycle and other personal belongings.
Investigators recovered at least 22 empty shells from a .45 caliber pistol and 13 from a 9mm pistol at the crime scene, indicating the use of multiple firearms.
Authorities have not yet identified any suspects, and the motive behind the attack remains unclear. A follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine whether the shooting was related to personal conflict, political tension, or internal disputes.
The MILF has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the killing of its members. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
