A municipal councilor of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur survived an apparent ambush after unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle he was riding along the national highway in Barangay Tinumigues, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, on Monday morning, August 17, 2026.
The official was identified as Sangguniang Bayan Member Bin-Nazriff Buayan “Totoben” Silongan.
According to information from the Lambayong Municipal Police Station, the shooting occurred at around 8:45 a.m. while Silongan and his companions were traveling back toward his office after coming from Tacurong City.
Silongan reportedly noticed a man standing or staying along the roadside as their pickup truck approached the area. As the vehicle passed, the man allegedly suddenly opened fire at the councilor’s vehicle.
Three bullets reportedly struck the pickup truck, but Silongan and his companions escaped the attack without injuries.
In an interview following the incident, Silongan said he was unaware of anyone who might have had a conflict with him or a reason to target him.
The shooting prompted an immediate investigation by the Lambayong Municipal Police Station, which is working to identify the gunman and determine the motive behind the attack.
Authorities have yet to establish the identity of the suspect, the type of firearm used, or whether other individuals were involved in the incident. Police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and gather additional evidence that could help identify those responsible.
The incident has also raised concern among residents of Rajah Buayan, particularly in Barangay Sampao, where Silongan is a resident.
In a statement, Barangay Sampao officials expressed concern over the incident and thanked Allah (SWT) after learning that the councilor survived the attack without suffering any injuries. The barangay also expressed appreciation to those who joined in prayers for Silongan’s safety.
Following the incident, Silongan himself posted a brief message assuring the public of his condition.
“Alhamdullilah okey naman ako,” he wrote.
Despite escaping unharmed, the attack underscores continuing security concerns along roads connecting communities in parts of Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat.
For now, investigators are focused on determining what led to the shooting, identifying the assailant or assailants, and establishing whether the attack was specifically directed against the councilor.
The Lambayong Municipal Police Station said its investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the incident.