Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur – An Islamic school teacher known for promoting understanding between Muslims and Christians was shot dead by armed assailants in Barangay Duguengen on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The victim, identified as Kamar Biyamen, was an Arabic language and religion teacher at a Madrasah (Islamic religious school) in the area. According to initial reports from the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, Biyamen died instantly from gunshot wounds sustained in the attack.
A police report from the Shariff Saidona Mustapha Police Station revealed that Biyamen was walking in Sitio Cantain, Barangay Duguengen, after attending a Musabaka—a knowledge competition for Islamic school students—when the assailants approached and shot him.
Brig. Gen. Macapaz has ordered the local police chief to work with barangay officials to identify the perpetrators and file appropriate charges promptly. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the community, where Biyamen was widely respected for his efforts to foster peace and interfaith dialogue in the region.
This incident underscores ongoing security concerns in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, where sporadic violence continues to disrupt efforts for long-term peace and development.
