COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Barangay Chairman Ahmad Ali Jabedin of Dinaig Proper in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, survived an armed attack after unidentified motorcycle-riding suspects opened fire on the vehicle he was traveling in at the Awang Crossing on Tuesday afternoon, October 20.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. while Jabedin was aboard a rescue vehicle belonging to Barangay Bugawas. Despite the gunfire, the village chief survived the attack and was reported to be in stable condition, according to an official statement issued by the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Dinaig Proper.
“Alhamdulillah, by the grace and mercy of Allah (SWT), our Punong Barangay is safe and doing okay following the shooting incident,” the barangay government said in its statement, while expressing gratitude to those who offered prayers and expressed concern for the chairman’s safety.
The Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station confirmed that investigators recovered 17 spent bullet casings and three deformed bullet slugs at the crime scene, indicating the extent of the gunfire directed at the vehicle.
Authorities have yet to identify the suspects or establish the motive behind the attack.
Police have launched a hot-pursuit operation to track down and arrest those responsible for the shooting. Investigators are also gathering evidence and pursuing leads to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The attack has raised concerns over the security of local officials in the area, particularly as the assailants remain unidentified and their motive is still unclear.
While the barangay chairman’s survival brought relief to his community, investigators have yet to establish whether he was deliberately targeted because of his position or for another reason.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the suspects, their escape route, or any possible leads in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.