Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur — August 25, 2025
At the height of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban in connection with the upcoming first-ever Parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro, violence erupted along the national highway in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday night, leaving at least two people dead and seven others wounded.
The incident occurred around 7:20 PM, when unidentified gunmen ambushed a group of individuals traveling through the highway. Victims were identified as follows:
- Sanya Dalgan Untong
- Abdulrashid Mamo
- Lidasan Mamo
- Mansor Mamo
- Allan K. Mamo – wounded
- Racky Patadon – wounded
- Datu Masla M. Mamo – dead on the spot
- Norodin M. Mamo – wounded
- Mahron M. Mamo – wounded
- Morsid L. Mamo – unharmed
- Mohamidin Mamo – wounded
- Benjo K. Mamo – wounded
- Ticky Candai
- Jahe L. Mamo – wounded
- Potato Patadon
The Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) immediately issued a strong condemnation of the attack, branding it as a brutal and cowardly act that undermines peace and security in the province during a crucial political period.
“This act of violence is unacceptable, especially during the implementation of the COMELEC gun ban. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assure the public that we will relentlessly pursue those responsible,” PRO BAR declared.
Authorities confirmed that a joint police and military operation is underway to track down the suspects, with manhunt operations already launched in the area. Police investigators are pursuing several leads while also coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to prevent further escalation of violence.
The attack not only claimed lives but also heightened fears of election-related violence in Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region. PRO BAR vowed to sustain intensified security operations to safeguard communities, maintain peace and order, and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.
This ambush serves as a grim reminder of the volatility surrounding the upcoming elections and underscores the urgent need for vigilance, strict enforcement of the gun ban, and the collective effort of law enforcers, government leaders, and communities to protect democracy from being marred by bloodshed.