Three individuals, including a three-month-old baby, lost their lives while one other person was injured in an ambush in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Police reports indicate that the victims, who were traveling in a minivan, were on their way home to Barangay Gaunan from Tacurong City when they were attacked. Gunmen in another minivan, which had no license plate, followed and ambushed them.
“‘The victims were traveling within Rajah Buayan. Upon reaching the incident area, they were ambushed by perpetrators who had been trailing them in an unregistered minivan,’” explained Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR).
The victims were reported to be relatives.
Fatalities and Injuries
The minivan driver was killed on the spot, while a woman and her infant daughter succumbed to injuries in the hospital. The fourth victim is currently recovering from the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are still determining the motive behind the ambush and have yet to identify any suspects. “At this time, we do not have a person of interest, but we are conducting a deeper investigation into this incident,” added Ventura.
Efforts to reach the victims’ families for statements are ongoing.