By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
Three members of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were killed and two others were injured after they were attacked by assailants believed to be members of a local terrorist group at around 1:20 AM today, November 28.
The shooting happened along the National Highway in Barangay Edcor in the municipality of Buldon. According to the spot report from the Buldon Municipal Police Station, the CAFGU troopers were guarding a Paeng-damaged bridge undergoing repairs when the motorcycle-riding assailants began harassing and shooting them.
The suspects, who were allegedly members of a Maguindanao-based terrorist organization, then fled in the direction of Barangay Nuyo in the same municipality.
CAFGU members Christian Silvestre, Ignacio Lozad, and Dondon Ahito died as a result of their gunshot wounds, while Arnel Cayanan and Calbertson Baggay were injured.
Buldon MPS is still investigating the motive behind the crime and the identities of the suspects.
Meanwhile, their station and Marine Battalion Landing Team 5 of the Philippine Navy have launched a hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators.