RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — Two men were killed while three others sustained injuries after an ambush escalated into a gun battle between two rival groups in Barangay Panadtaban, Rajah Buayan, on Thursday afternoon, police authorities said.
The deadly encounter occurred at around 3:00 p.m. along a barangay road in Panadtaban and involved the group of an individual known as alias “Bontok” and the group of former barangay chairman Norodin Utto, according to the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PNP-BARMM).
PNP-BARMM spokesperson Steffi Salanguit identified the fatalities as Jeboy Balutintik and King Utto, both members of Utto’s group. The two were declared dead at the scene after sustaining fatal gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, three members of the Bontok group — Prits Abubakar, Terry Abubakar, and Albassir Utto — were wounded during the exchange of gunfire and were rushed for medical treatment.
Ambush Triggered Deadly Retaliation
Based on the initial police investigation, the group of alias Bontok was traversing the barangay road in Panadtaban when they were allegedly ambushed and fired upon by members of Utto’s group.
Authorities said the attack prompted an immediate armed retaliation from relatives and companions of the Bontok group, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire that left two members of the opposing group dead and three others wounded.
All individuals involved in the incident were reportedly residents of Barangay Panadtaban.
Firearms Evidence Recovered
Investigators who processed the crime scene recovered approximately 40 spent shell casings believed to have come from 5.56mm rifles. Authorities also found spent cartridges from caliber .45 pistols and 9mm firearms, indicating the use of multiple weapons during the confrontation.
The large number of recovered shell casings suggests that a prolonged firefight took place before the violence subsided.
Motive Still Under Investigation
Police have yet to determine the exact motive behind the ambush and subsequent gun battle. Investigators are currently gathering testimonies from witnesses and examining all available evidence to establish the circumstances leading to the attack.
Authorities are also looking into whether other individuals participated in the shooting and if longstanding personal, political, or clan-related disputes may have contributed to the violence.
The PNP-BARMM has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that appropriate charges will be filed against those found responsible for the deadly incident.
The latest shooting underscores the continuing challenge of preventing armed confrontations in some communities in Maguindanao del Sur, where local disputes can quickly escalate into violent encounters resulting in loss of life and injuries.