9 dead in Maguindanao ambush

GUINDULUNGAN, Maguindanao, Philippines — Nine persons were killed and three others were wounded in an ambush in this town yesterday morning.

Police said Pags Mamasainged, alias Commander Black Magic, said to be a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and eight of his companions suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Five of the fatalities were identified as Sadam, Sadre, Johari and Kamaro, all surnamed Mamasainged, and a certain Tani.

Anwar Dimasinsil, Mangi Mamasainged and Banarin Lumalag were taken to a hospital for treatment.

The victims were in a Mitsubishi Montero and a black Ford Ranger on their way to Barangay Kitapok in Datu Saudi Ampatuan when they were attacked by an undetermined number of armed men.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6th Infantry Division commander, said probers are eyeing rido or clan war as the motive for the killing.

Initial investigation showed that Mamasainged and his followers were adversaries of a group led by Jordan Mamalintang and his son Morsid. The two groups had earlier figured in gunfights.

Prior to the incident, villagers said the gunmen positioned themselves on both sides of the road.

Lt. Col. Cristio Lagyop Jr., spokesman for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police, said additional troops were deployed in the town to prevent violence from escalating.

The police and military are also coordinating with local officials to settle the feud. – Roel Pareño