Maguindanao village chair slain in ambush

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao — A village chairperson was killed while his wife was injured in an ambush along the national highway here early today.

Guiamadel Ambel, chairman of Barangay Bintan, Talitay, Maguindanao was declared dead on arrival at a hospital in Cotabato City.  His wife, Saida Uttoh Guiamadil, 45, also a resident of Barangay Bintan, was injured.

Senior Supt. Ronald Briones, Maguindanao police director, quoting a report from the Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police office, said the suspects were heading to Cotabato City from Talitay when ambushed at 7:40 a.m. along the national highway in Barangay Taviran, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The victims were on board a Toyota Hilux with a temporary license plate when ambushed by two men riding tandem on a motorbike.

Responding police officers recovered 14 pieces of empty shells for cal. 45 pistol.

SPO2 Datuguianua Pinguiaman, the case investigator, said the motive of the attack remained unknown as of posting.

Police investigation continues.