MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A deadly ambush in broad daylight left one person dead and two others wounded after unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on a white pick-up truck in Purok Santan, Poblacion 8, Midsayap, Cotabato on Monday afternoon, May 11.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Datu Butch Zainal and Muhammad Tula, both residents of Cotabato City, while the injured victim was identified as Guimad Ferdausi, a resident of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Initial police reports said the victims were onboard a white Nissan Navarra pick-up truck bearing plate number LAN 5866 when armed assailants riding a motorcycle suddenly intercepted the vehicle and unleashed a barrage of gunfire.
The intensity of the attack reportedly caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, sending the pick-up crashing into an irrigation canal along the roadside.
Residents in the area said multiple gunshots rang out, causing panic among bystanders as the ambush unfolded in the busy section of Poblacion 8.
Responding authorities immediately rushed the victims to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. However, one of the victims was declared dead, while the two others continue to receive medical attention for gunshot wounds.
According to concerned citizens who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, investigators are looking into the possibility that the victims and the gunmen may have known each other prior to the incident, although police have yet to officially confirm this angle.
The Philippine National Police, through the Midsayap Municipal Police Station, has launched an extensive hot pursuit and blocking operation in coordination with military forces to track down the suspects, who immediately fled the scene aboard a motorcycle.
Police investigators and forensic personnel continue to conduct a thorough examination of the crime scene to determine the motive behind the attack and identify those responsible for the fatal shooting.
As of this writing, authorities have not yet disclosed whether the incident was related to personal grudge, business dealings, or other possible motives. The investigation remains ongoing.