Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur—Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. on Thursday strongly denounced the ambush that claimed three lives, including a three-month-old infant, in this violence-stricken municipality. Lagdameo emphasized that such heinous acts have no place in a peaceful society.
“We understand the pain and suffering caused by these violent acts, and offer our sincere condolences for the tragic deaths of Jinn Utto Lumenda-Basalo and her three-month-old daughter,” Lagdameo said in a statement.
The ambush, which occurred on December 12, targeted a mini van traveling to Barangay Gaunan. Among those killed were Jinn Utto Lumenda-Basalo, her infant daughter, and the van’s driver, Nunokan Manalindo, a resident of Rajah Buayan. Initial investigations revealed that .45-caliber pistol shells were recovered at the scene.
Rajah Buayan Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura confirmed that the slain woman was married to one of her soldier escorts. The incident has sparked outrage and sorrow in the local community, with authorities suspecting a family feud (rido) as the possible motive behind the attack. Rido, a deeply rooted conflict in Mindanao, often leads to cycles of violence and retribution among clans.
Lagdameo assured the public that the national government is working closely with local law enforcement to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. “Rest assured that we in the national government remain committed in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, as these acts of violence and impunity will not be tolerated,” he said.
“We will continue to work towards lasting peace and stability not just in Rajah Buayan but in the entire region,” he added, highlighting the administration’s commitment to eradicating violence and fostering peace in conflict-affected areas.
The police are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects. Meanwhile, local officials are appealing to residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid escalating tensions. Community leaders have called for dialogues and interventions to address the underlying causes of rido and to prevent further bloodshed.
The ambush underscores the persistent challenges in maintaining peace and order in Mindanao, where inter-clan rivalries, insurgencies, and criminal activities often intersect. The national government, alongside local stakeholders, faces the pressing task of addressing these complex issues to ensure that such tragedies do not recur.