MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao del Sur — Two members of the Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA), formerly known as the Citizens Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU), and a civilian companion were killed after unidentified armed men ambushed them along a national highway in Barangay Manungkaling, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, on Saturday morning, November 7.
A fourth individual, who was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the attack, was wounded and brought to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police identified the fatalities as Samsamin Labay Kabagani and Danny Minandang, both CAA members, and their civilian companions, Esmael Manabilang, a wood gatherer. Manabilang was rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival due to his injuries.
The wounded individual was identified as Mohamidin Udal Usman, 18, also a wood gatherer. He was reportedly in stable condition while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Based on the initial police investigation, the four individuals were traveling on two motorcycles from Barangay Barurao in Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, toward the Philippine Army’s Bud Wire Detachment in Shariff Aguak when they were attacked at approximately 10:40 a.m.
Investigators said the victims were traveling along the National Highway in Sitio Philippine Trade, Barangay Manungkaling, when armed men allegedly positioned along the roadside opened fire on them.
Other initial accounts indicated that the attackers were riding motorcycles, including a Honda CRF, and had apparently followed the victims before carrying out the assault. The gunmen reportedly fired repeatedly at the group before fleeing aboard motorcycles toward an undetermined direction.
The attack left three of the four individuals dead, while Usman was caught in the gunfire and sustained a bullet wound.
Personnel of the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, together with other responding police units, immediately proceeded to the scene to secure the area, document the incident, and conduct follow-up investigative operations.
Authorities have yet to establish the identities of the gunmen and the motive behind the attack. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and information that could help identify those responsible and determine whether the victims were specifically targeted.
The killing of two auxiliary forces personnel alongside a civilian underscores the continuing security concerns along parts of Maguindanao del Sur, where armed attacks on public roads can also place nearby residents and other motorists at risk.
As of the latest available information, no arrests had been reported in connection with the ambush.