SULTAN MASTURA, Maguindanao del Norte — A businessman and incumbent barangay councilor was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen while opening his store in Barangay Macabiso, Sultan Mastura, on Saturday morning.
The victim was identified as Saddam Bara, a sitting barangay kagawad of Barangay Bungabong in the same municipality, according to Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) spokesperson PCapt. Steffi Salanguit.
Based on the initial investigation by the Sultan Mastura Municipal Police Station, Bara was opening his store when he noticed two men repeatedly moving around the area, raising suspicion about their presence.
The two suspects allegedly approached Bara and opened fire before fleeing the scene. The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to Sanitarium Hospital for medical treatment before being transferred to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.
Despite efforts to save his life, Bara eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Police Look Into Possible Rido Motive
Investigators are looking into a possible rido, or a longstanding feud between families or clans, as a potential motive behind the fatal shooting, police said.
However, authorities have yet to establish the circumstances that led to the attack or confirm whether the killing was connected to an existing family dispute.
The identities of the two gunmen and their whereabouts remain undetermined based on the initial information provided by police.
Investigators are expected to pursue leads that could establish the suspects’ identities, determine how they carried out the attack and clarify the motive behind the killing.
The fatal shooting adds to security concerns surrounding attacks on local officials and civilians in parts of the Bangsamoro region. However, the available information does not establish whether Bara was targeted because of his position as a barangay councilor or his activities as a businessman.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the investigation, including whether any witnesses have been formally identified or whether the suspects have been located.
The police investigation remains ongoing, and the possible rido connection has not been established as the definitive motive for the killing.