Ambush in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, where three people were killed, including a wife and her 3-month-old baby.
MindanaoToday.com | Police probe family feud in Maguindanao ambush; 3 killed
By: Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Police are investigating a possible family feud (rido) as motive behind the ambush that killed a mother, her infant daughter, and their driver in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday.
Lt. Argie Eyana, chief of the Rajah Buayan municipal police, said they are pursuing several “persons of interest” in connection with the daylight attack along the national highway in densely populated Barangay Mileb.
“Rido is one of the possible motives we are looking into, although the victims’ relatives claimed they have no known enemies,” Eyana said in a radio interview Friday.
The victims were identified as Harrah Jinn Utto Lumenda, her three-month-old daughter and mini van driver, Nunokan Manalindo, all residents of Rajah Buayan.
A relative, Bai Kong Lumenda Utto, was injured and is recovering in a hospital.
Rajah Buayan Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura confirmed that the slain woman was the wife of one of her soldier escorts.
“I have no idea of the real motive. The police are still investigating,” Mastura said.
According to Eyana, the victims were traveling to Barangay Gaunan when ambushed. Investigators recovered .45-caliber pistol shells at the scene.
Eyana urged anyone with information on the perpetrators to come forward, assuring them of confidentiality. (PNA)
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