Members of prominent clan in Cotabato City killed in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Five persons, including a minor, were killed when unidentified men ambushed a private vehicle in Barangay Dulangan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, on Monday afternoon.

One of the fatalities was identified as Hadja Bai Lilang Ayunan of the prominent Ayunan clan in Cotabato City.

Police said the victims were on board a red Toyota Innova heading toward Cotabato City when gunmen on board another vehicle overtook and sprayed them with automatic rifles at 4:30 p.m.

Cotabato City Councilor Bruce Matabalao confirmed that one of the fatalities was Ayunan, his aunt. The other fatalities were Ayunan’s daughters and a grandchild.

As the Innova swerved to the roadside after the initial burst of gunfire, witnessed said, the gunmen alighted and continued firing at the car.

The Datu Odin PNP has started investigating the ambush.  SFM