Maguindanao del Norte — Four members of a family, including two young children, were killed while four others sustained injuries after a group of armed men opened fire on them Monday afternoon, May 26, in Sitio Kilometer 14, Barangay Ladia, Sultan Kudarat town.
The shooting, which occurred at around 1:00 PM, shocked the quiet rural community. Witnesses said the victims, all reportedly related, were gathered when a group of unidentified gunmen arrived in a minivan and suddenly opened fire without warning.
Among the fatalities were an 8-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy identified only as alias Mokaram, Kadir Sarat Indao, 29; and Bash Gampong, 63. Other reports also named Abdulkadir Indaw, 39, and two elderly individuals, Gaban Indaw and Basit Indaw, as among those killed. Conflicting accounts have yet to be clarified by authorities.
Four other victims, identified as Kusain Indaw, 32; Rohamin Indaw, 17; Tatang Indaw; and Saida Indaw, suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their current condition remains unknown.
The sudden burst of gunfire caused panic in the area, with villagers only emerging from their homes once the attackers had fled. According to initial reports, the suspects immediately escaped the scene aboard the same minivan they arrived in.
Police and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) responded promptly and are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify those responsible.
Authorities are still verifying the full identities of the victims and are urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects to come forward.
The attack has left the small community in mourning and fear, as the motive behind the massacre remains unclear.
Photo courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City