By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
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A former Barangay Dalican Poblacion Chairman and defeated mayoralty candidate of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao (now part of Maguindanao del Norte) in the recent May 9, 2022 elections, was shot dead on Friday afternoon, September 30.
The victim was identified as Datu Jamael “Jam” Sinsuat, uncle of the incumbent mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Lester Sinsuat.
According to the initial investigation, the shooting incident happened shortly after the Friday congregational prayer (Jumu’ah) at a mosque in Barangay Dalican Poblacion, just beside the municipal hall.
Datu Jamael was about to leave the mosque when he was shot multiple times by unidentified assailants.
He was then rushed to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead upon arrival.
One of his close-in escorts was also killed in the incident due to fatal headshots, while three others were severely injured.
An in-depth investigation into the crime is being carried out by the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station and the Scene of the Crime Operatives to identify the motives and perpetrators.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sinsuat issued a statement condemning the killing of his uncle through the official Facebook page of their local government unit.
“Inna lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajiun (Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return). I, my family, together with all the constituents of the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, strongly condemn in the highest form the brutal killing of my uncle, Datu Jamael Q. Sinsuat, in broad daylight right after the Friday Jumuah Prayer, which happened today, September 30, 2022,” the statement said.
“This cruel and cowardly act should hold no place in our society and community. As such, we are calling on the authorities to immediately conduct an extensive investigation into this matter to make the perpetrators answerable for this dastardly deed,” it added.
The mayor also expressed his condolences to his uncle’s grieving family and friends, saying that he shared their prayers for justice.
He also assured his constituents “that the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other law enforcement agencies are maintaining peace and order in the Municipality.”
Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao has also extended his condolences to the family of his cousin-in-law.