Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur — A barangay chairman narrowly survived an ambush early Monday morning, March 30, 2026, in what authorities describe as another alarming shooting incident in the province, while his driver was left critically wounded.
The intended target of the attack was identified as Hadji Mansor Bajunaid Mangelen, barangay chairman of Barangay Damalusay in the municipality of Paglat. Mangelen was reportedly traveling onboard a black Toyota Innova (plate number MAH 2991) יחד with his driver, Arafat G. Abpet, when the attack occurred.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victims were en route to Pandag from Buluan when they were allegedly tailed by unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle. Upon reaching a stretch of road in Pandag, the suspects opened fire, peppering the vehicle with bullets using still unidentified firearms.
The left side of the vehicle sustained multiple gunshot impacts. While Mangelen miraculously escaped without sustaining any gunshot wounds, his driver was hit and suffered serious injuries. Both victims were immediately rushed by relatives to the Buluan District Hospital for emergency medical treatment, where Abpet was reported to be in critical condition.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the ambush, but investigators are exploring possible angles, including personal grudges and political rivalry, given the victim’s position in local governance.
Responding police units promptly launched a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects, but as of this writing, no arrests have been made. Law enforcement agencies have also heightened alert levels in nearby municipalities and activated dragnet operations to prevent the suspects from escaping.
The incident adds to a growing number of violent attacks reported in parts of Maguindanao del Sur in recent days, raising concerns over security in the area.
Police authorities continue to call on the public to cooperate and provide any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators as the investigation remains ongoing.