Former barangay chairman, son slain in North Cotabato ambush
MATALAM, North Cotabato (PNA) – A former barangay chairman who was known for his Bangsamoro peace-building activities was killed with his son in an ambush here on Sunday night, July 30.
Police Lt. Col. Arniel Melocotones, town police chief, identified the victims as Anwar Ebrahim Salem, 52, and his son, Anwar Salem Jr., 21, both of Barangay Arakan.
Melocotones said unidentified gunmen waylaid the victims who were on a motorbike at about 6 p.m.
“The father was killed on the spot while the son expired while undergoing medication in the hospital,” he said.
The elder Salem is a member of the Bangsamoro Council of Elders, a civic organization that helps settle local disputes and “rido” (family feud) involving Moro families in Matalam.
Salem Sr. used to be the chairman of Barangay Arakan and served as president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).
Melocotenes said the victims were going home when ambushed in Sitio Lambayao, Barangay Kibia.
“It could be a personal grudge,” Melocotones said in a radio interview.
Melocotones also said the ambush may not be related to the upcoming barangay elections since Salem Sr. has publicly declared that he is not running for any political position.