PIKIT, Cotabato – January 9, 2026 — A rest house located inside a large farm owned by Maguindanao del Sur PCL President and former Pagalungan mayor Datu Salik P. Mamasabulod and his wife Bai Haydee Pendatun Mamasabulod was targeted in a grenade attack in Barangay Ginatilan, Pikit, Cotabato, causing fear and panic among residents and caretakers’ families living on the property.
According to initial reports, two hand grenades were thrown into the couple’s rest house late Thursday night. The incident was immediately reported by caretakers residing in the area, who called the Mamasabulod family upon discovering the explosives. Authorities were alerted shortly after, prompting a swift response from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of North Cotabato.
The EOD team arrived early Friday morning and successfully recovered the two grenades. Both explosives were later safely detonated simultaneously in a controlled explosion to prevent further danger. No casualties were reported, and no property damage was recorded, as the grenades did not explode upon impact.
The rest house is situated at the center of the Mamasabulod family’s more than 10-hectare farm, where several caretakers and their families, including children, reside. The property lies along the boundary of Barangay Ginatilan in Pikit and Barangay Balong in Tugunan, making it accessible from multiple routes.
Datu Salik Mamasabulod personally went to the scene early Friday, accompanied by Pikit Mayor Abdilah G. Mamasabulod, Vice Mayor Datu Ton Mamasabulod, and officials from the PNP and AFP. Tugunan Mayor Abdullah P. Abas, along with municipal councilors and barangay officials, also arrived to assess the situation and show support.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind the attack. An investigation is ongoing to determine the motive and those responsible for the grenade throwing.
In an emotional statement posted on social media, Bai Haydee Pendatun Mamasabulod expressed fear and outrage over the incident, stressing that the attack could have resulted in multiple deaths, including children, had the grenades exploded.
“Imagine if those grenades had exploded last night. How many lives would have been taken, including innocent children? Don’t you think about that? God will judge you for your evil acts,” she wrote.
Bai Haydee is now calling on the police and military to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to identify the suspects and ensure they are held accountable.
The grenade attack has heightened concerns over security in the area and raised alarm among residents, who fear that such violent acts could escalate if left unchecked. Local officials have assured the public that additional security measures will be implemented while the investigation continues.