3 persons, including 3-month-old baby, killed in Maguindanao ambush

Maguindanao del Sur map. INQUIRER FILES

COTABATO CITY – Three people were killed on the spot while another survived in an ambush along the national highway in Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12.

Radja Buayan town Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura identified the fatalities as Harrah Jinn Utto Lumenda, her 3-month-old baby girl, and a certain Nunokan Manalindo, all residents of Radjah Buayan.

Another victim, Bai Kong Lumenda Utto, was injured and is undergoing medication in an undisclosed hospital.

Citing police reports, Mayor Mastura said the victims were onboard a gray minivan driven by Nunokan when waylaid by unidentified gunmen.

“The slain mother was the wife of my personal escort, a military officer assigned in 34th Infantry Battalion,” Mastura said.

Lieutenant Argie Eyana, police chief for Radjah Buayan, told the Inquirer in an interview that they recovered one empty shell and three fired slugs of unknown caliber at the crime scene.

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The motive of the crime is yet to be determined by the authorities.

Eyana said the pursuit operation against the suspects is ongoing.