LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat – A man was killed after unidentified armed men ambushed and opened fire on a pickup truck carrying him and a barangay captain in the municipality of Lambayong on Thursday afternoon, authorities reported.
The fatality was identified as Datu Haron Muhamad Pilas, a resident of Barangay Tugal in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.
According to initial police reports, Pilas was traveling home with the barangay captain of Barangay Tugal aboard a red Toyota pickup truck when they were suddenly attacked by armed assailants at around 3:00 p.m. while passing through an area in Lambayong.
The gunmen reportedly unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the vehicle, turning the afternoon trip into a deadly ambush.
The barangay captain survived the attack unharmed, but Pilas sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Responders rushed him to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but attending physicians later declared him dead on arrival.
Authorities have yet to determine whether Pilas or his companion was the intended target of the attack.
Police investigators immediately launched a thorough investigation and have intensified efforts to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the killing. Investigators are also examining possible angles, including personal grudges, political rivalry, family feuds, or other motives that may have led to the ambush.
Law enforcement agencies have strengthened coordination with neighboring municipalities and security units to gather intelligence and track down the suspects.
The incident has raised concerns among residents as authorities continue to address security threats in parts of Central Mindanao, where sporadic armed attacks and ambush incidents have occurred in recent years.
Officials have urged anyone with information that could aid the investigation to coordinate with local police authorities.
As of this writing, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack, and the suspects remain at large.
The investigation is ongoing.