MIDSAYAP, COTABATO — October 7, 2025 | Two people were killed while three others, including a retired soldier and a town councilor, were injured in a daring ambush Tuesday morning in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Police identified the fatalities as Rahib Mamental Wahab, 35, a tricycle driver from Sitio Kudungan, Barangay Sambulawan, Kadayangan, SGA-BARMM, and Udin Indaila Dalgan, 31, an escort from Sitio Dansalan, Nekitan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Survivors were identified as Madron Sumlay Endaila Jr., 48, a retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) member; Saida Felmin Endaila, municipal councilor of Kadayangan, SGA-BARMM; and Lani Endaila Yusop, 20, all residents of Barangay Kapinpilan, Kadayangan, SGA.
According to Lt. Col. Oliver Pauya, Midsayap Police chief, the victims were on board a black Toyota Fortuner with plate number NDC 3579 when armed men aboard a minivan suddenly opened fire at them around 8:00 a.m. in Purok Narigtaa, Barangay Salunayan.
One of the Fortuner passengers, identified as Dalgan, died instantly, while Wahab — a tricycle driver passing by the area — was fatally hit by stray bullets. The other three occupants of the vehicle survived and were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police investigators are now pursuing leads on the suspects, who immediately fled after the attack. Authorities are looking into rido (clan feud) as the primary motive behind the ambush.
The incident has caused tension and alarm among residents and motorists along the national highway, prompting tighter security measures in the area as police continue their hot pursuit operations.