Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte – A police officer and his family narrowly escaped an ambush on Tuesday afternoon, December 31, 2024, in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat.
The victim, identified as PCpl. Tohamie Musa, a member of the Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office, was driving his gray Toyota Hilux pickup truck (plate number LCU 8004) with his wife and child when two armed suspects on a motorcycle opened fire near the Crossing Awang roundabout at approximately 3:55 PM.
According to eyewitnesses, Musa returned fire despite sustaining gunshot wounds to his thigh and a graze on his chest. He managed to maneuver the vehicle to a safer location, forcing the attackers to flee the scene.
The intense exchange of gunfire resulted in at least 20 spent shell casings being recovered at the scene. Additionally, stray bullets reportedly struck other vehicles in the vicinity.
One child from Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, was allegedly hit by a stray bullet during the shooting and was rushed to a hospital. Authorities are verifying this claim.
Police and military personnel remain at the crime scene, conducting an investigation into the identities of the attackers and the motive behind the ambush. A hot pursuit operation has been launched to track down the suspects.
Meanwhile, PCpl. Musa and his family are receiving medical attention and are in stable condition, according to initial reports.
The incident has raised concerns due to its occurrence in a busy area, prompting authorities to appeal for public cooperation in the ongoing investigation.