Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur – Two individuals, including a minor, were wounded in an explosion just before 8:00 PM Saturday in Barangay Mother Poblacion, Shariff Aguak — a chilling reminder of the rising election-related violence in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Police Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-BARMM, identified the victims as 40-year-old Montaser Paglas Mamaluba and a 13-year-old female student. Both are residents of the affected area.
According to initial reports, an M79 grenade launcher round exploded in front of a gasoline station owned by the incumbent mayor of Shariff Aguak. Authorities have yet to determine whether the attack specifically targeted the establishment or its owner.
The victims sustained injuries from the blast and were rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. Their current condition has not been disclosed.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and determine the motive behind the attack.
The incident adds to growing concerns over security in the region as political tensions rise in the lead-up to the Bangsamoro elections. Local officials and residents have called for intensified security efforts to protect civilians and ensure peaceful electoral processes.