Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur — Tragedy struck Barangay Mileb this afternoon as three people, including a mother and her three-month-old baby, were killed in an ambush. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM, according to Radjah Buayan Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura.
The victims were identified as Harrah Jinn Utto Lumenda, her infant daughter, and the minivan driver, Nunokan Manalindo. One other victim remains hospitalized, recovering from injuries sustained during the attack.
Mayor Mastura revealed that Harrah Jinn Utto Lumenda was the wife of her military escort. The family was on their way home to Barangay Gaunan aboard a minivan when unidentified assailants ambushed them.
Radjah Buayan Police Chief Lt. Argie Eyana confirmed the incident to DXMS Radyo Bida. Initial investigations showed that the assailants fired upon the vehicle at close range, leaving the driver dead on the spot and three passengers injured.
Police recovered an empty shell and three slugs of an unidentified firearm at the scene. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify the perpetrators.
A pursuit operation is currently underway as police intensify efforts to bring the assailants to justice.