Three killed in Maguindanao attacks despite election gun ban

Three individuals lost their lives and another was injured in separate shooting incidents in Maguindanao provinces on Thursday, August 20. These violent events transpired despite the implementation of an election gun ban in anticipation of the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election.

In Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, a businessman, Kamarudin Mangansakan Ebus, and his driver, Mohalidin Latip Esmael, were killed when motorcycle-riding gunmen opened fire on their Hyundai pickup truck. The ambush occurred along a national highway undergoing road repairs. A laborer, Kenedie Abdul Adin, sustained injuries in the attack. Police reported that the victims were traveling from Datu Unsay towards Cotabato City and were approximately 200 meters from an Army checkpoint when the assailants attacked.

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Three people were killed and another was wounded in separate gun attacks in Maguindanao provinces on Thursday, Aug. 20, despite the implementation of an election gun ban ahead of next month’s Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, police said.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are actively investigating the motive behind the ambush. Later that evening, around 8 p.m., another shooting incident took place in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Tricycle driver Chopin Mohammad Blah was fatally shot along a diversion road in Barangay Capiton. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center. Police are also investigating this second shooting incident.

The Philippine National Police and military are enforcing the election gun ban to curb election-related violence. However, these recent attacks highlight the persistent security challenges in the region, even with heightened security measures in place.

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The victims were traveling in the pickup and passing through a portion of the highway undergoing road repairs when the gunmen opened fire.