DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A government engineer under the Ministry of Social Services and Development–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) was killed after being ambushed by armed assailants while riding his motorcycle in Barangay Awang on Tuesday evening, September 16, 2025.
The victim, identified as Engineer Romeo Ibero Livelo, 43, an Engineer III of MSSD-BARMM and a resident of Upi, Maguindanao, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being repeatedly fired upon by unidentified attackers around 6:00 p.m. in Sitio Kapihan, Barangay Awang.
Initial reports from barangay officials and investigators of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station indicated that Livelo was on his way home aboard a black Honda Beat motorcycle when armed men suddenly opened fire. The suspects immediately fled the scene.
Police Regional Office–BAR spokesperson Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura confirmed in a radio interview on Wednesday that Livelo did not survive the attack.
Authorities are looking into the possibility that the assailants intended to steal the victim’s motorcycle, noting that similar incidents had been reported in Barangay Awang in the past. However, investigators have not ruled out other motives and are conducting a thorough probe.
As of press time, police operatives are pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The killing has sparked alarm among residents, as it adds to a series of violent incidents targeting civilians in the area.
MSSD-BARMM has yet to release an official statement regarding the loss of their colleague.