AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A barangay official who was also a commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Sema Faction and his son were shot dead in an ambush on Monday morning, October 13, in Barangay Kapinpilan, Ampatuan.
The victims were identified as Abusama “Kumander Boy Negro” Agao, a kagawad of Barangay Matagabong and a known MNLF leader, and his son Norodin Agao, a member of the Barangay Peace Action Team (BPAT).
According to initial police reports, the victims were on board a payong-payong (motorcycle with sidecar) with another family member, Jahara Agao, when unidentified gunmen on a black Honda XRM motorcycle opened fire at around 8:30 a.m. Jahara survived the attack but sustained gunshot wounds and is currently being treated in a hospital.
Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the killing, though rido (clan feud) is being considered as a possible angle. The Ampatuan Municipal Police Station has launched a manhunt for the suspects, who immediately fled after the shooting.
The brutal attack has shocked residents of Barangay Matagabong, where Abusama was well-known for his community service and leadership. The Matagabong Elementary School administration expressed grief over the deaths, describing them as a painful loss to the community.
“We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return,” the school said in a statement. “Your departure is heartbreaking and painful, especially since you contributed so much to Matagabong and the school. Thank you for everything, Bapa Negs and Nords.”
As of press time, police continue to gather statements from witnesses and are coordinating with local leaders to prevent further escalation of tension in the area.