Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, October 27, 2024 — Five residents, including a 16-year-old, were killed in multiple, unrelated shooting incidents in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Sunday morning. The violent incidents have drawn concern from local authorities, who urge the public to surrender loose and unregistered firearms to prevent further violence.
The first incident took place in the Old Market area of Barangay Poblacion Dalican, where a 16-year-old tricycle driver named Abdulrahim Mangundatu was fatally shot by Alrashid Untong, a security guard. The police report suggests a longstanding dispute between Mangundatu and Untong as the likely cause of the shooting. After killing Mangundatu, Untong fled the scene but soon encountered another individual, Nasser Halid, whom he also shot. Halid’s relatives, armed themselves, pursued and killed Untong.
Later that morning, another altercation erupted in Sitio Recto, Barangay Poblacion, where neighbors Suharto Antong and Solayman Maulana engaged in a deadly confrontation. According to police, Antong approached Maulana to complain about the loud singing coming from Maulana’s sound system. Tempers flared, and Antong reportedly fired at Maulana, who returned fire. Both men succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Datu Odin Sinsuat Police Chief Lt. Col. Samuel Roy Subsuban confirmed the tragic events, stressing the need for stricter control over firearms in the community. He urged residents to turn in any unlicensed firearms to reduce the potential for future violence. Police and local authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the incidents and are working with community leaders to promote conflict resolution and reduce tensions in the area.
The bodies of the deceased have been claimed by their families, who are now grieving the loss of their loved ones amid calls for peace and responsible firearm ownership.
