A Moro Islamic Liberation Front member was killed and four others, including two MILF commanders, were wounded in an ambush in Cotabato City on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 8.
Police identified the victim as Ahma Utto, 25, a resident of Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur.
Injured were MILF field commanders Marathi Felmin and Jaypee Emran, Alladin Utto, all of Sultan sa Barongis, and Tahir Tega Sam, 61, of Cotabato City.
Five other MILF members with the victims were unharmed.
Police attributed the shooting to “rido” or family feud.
Investigation said the victims were headed to Sultan sa Barongis after visiting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao compound when a gunman identified as Kanandok Mukadas, 33, of Sultan sa Barongis, shot them on Sinsuat and Gov. Gutierrez Avenues.
The gunman fled onboard a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao ordered an investigation of the incident, particularly why no policemen were manning the intersection during the ambush.
Matabalao said heads will roll if lawmen were remiss in their duties.