MILF official killed in Cotabato ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — An official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed while four others were wounded in an attack in Cotabato City on Wednesday.

Ahmad Kanapia Utto, an MILF official based in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao del Sur, was declared dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, according to Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Bangsamoro police director.

Utto’s companions – Alladin Utto, Marato Felmin and Jaypee Emran – and a bystander were taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Reports said the victims were in a pick-up truck when a lone assailant attacked them at the corner of Gov. Gutierrez and Sinsuat avenues.

Probers expressed belief the attack was related to a dispute involving the victims and their opponents in Sultan sa Barongis.