April 29, 2025 | Carmen, North Cotabato — An early morning ambush in Barangay Tonganon, Carmen, North Cotabato claimed the lives of two men, injured a minor, and left one woman missing, in a suspected family feud-related attack.
The victims were reportedly on their way to a sugarcane farm around 7:00 a.m. to apply fertilizer when they were gunned down by unidentified assailants. The fatalities were identified as Andro Garcia and Dagol Caboylo. A minor sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while a female companion was initially reported missing but was later recovered, though authorities have yet to disclose her condition.
Hadji Abdullah Pandita Hamsa, also known as “Commander Transceiver” and a mayoralty candidate in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said the victims were unarmed civilians. He suspects that the ambush was rooted in a long-standing rido or clan feud.
According to Hamsa, tensions between the warring parties began in December and escalated during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, resulting in casualties on both sides. While previous attempts at reconciliation had been initiated through dialogue, violence once again erupted, culminating in the deadly ambush.
The incident took place near the boundary of Barangay Tonganon, Carmen and Barangay Tupig in the Kapalawan area of the SGA-BARMM. Security forces, including around 40 military personnel, along with local police and officials, were deployed to the site to restore order and search for the missing woman.
Carmen Mayor Roger Tallino and local leaders from the Kapalawan SGA-BARMM are coordinating efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further violence.
Commander Transceiver also clarified that contrary to initial reports, he was not the target of the ambush. He was in the area to help mediate the conflict and ensure peace between the Moro and Christian communities involved.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.