Maledigao, BARMM — A Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member was killed after a lone suspect hurled a grenade directly at a military patrol base in Barangay Nalapaan, Maledigao, Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Saturday morning, August 23.
The fatality was identified as CAA Bimbo Malingko Lumambas, 25, a resident of Barangay Kalakacan, Pikit, Cotabato. According to the Police Regional Office-BARMM, Lumambas was standing outside their detachment at around 7:00 a.m. when the suspect, wearing a black hoodie and cap, rode up on a black Bajaj motorcycle and lobbed a grenade at the base.
Shrapnel struck Lumambas in the abdomen. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead shortly after.
The attacker quickly sped away toward Barangay Bualan, Tugunan, SGA, prompting a joint hot pursuit operation by the Pikit Municipal Police, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, Maledigao Police, and the 40th Infantry Battalion.
Authorities have since placed all patrol bases under the 6th Infantry Division on heightened alert, underscoring the brazenness of the attack that directly targeted a military facility. Investigators are still determining the motive, but the incident comes as the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections in October draw near, raising fears of escalating violence in the region.
The grenade assault highlights the daring of armed elements to strike security forces head-on, reflecting both the volatility of the SGA and the challenges authorities face in securing communities ahead of the polls.