Ex-Maguindanao Sur vice mayor slain in ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A former vice mayor of Rajah Buayan town in Maguindanao del Sur was killed in an ambush in Sultan Kudarat yesterday.

Sittie Jinn Utto Lumenda was driving a pickup with her father in the passenger seat when they were waylaid along a secluded stretch of the highway in Lambayong town, according to reports reaching the office of Soccsksargen police director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg.

Lumenda’s father, Jonathan, was wounded in the attack.

The culprits managed to escape before responding policemen and village watchmen arrived at the scene of the crime.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police director, ordered the Maguindanao del Sur police to help the local police in investigating the incident.