In a tragic incident in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, a mother, her infant daughter, and their driver were killed in an ambush, prompting police to explore the possibility of a family feud as the underlying motive. The attack occurred on a busy national highway in Barangay Mileb, a densely populated area, on Thursday.
Lt. Argie Eyana, the head of the local police in Rajah Buayan, stated that they are actively pursuing several individuals of interest linked to the attack. Despite the victims’ family asserting they had no known adversaries, Eyana mentioned in a radio interview on Friday that a family feud, known locally as ‘rido’, is among the potential reasons being investigated.
The victims were identified as Harrah Jinn Utto Lumenda, her three-month-old daughter, and their driver, Nunokan Manalindo, all from Rajah Buayan. A relative, Bai Kong Lumenda Utto, was also injured in the attack and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
Rajah Buayan Mayor Bai Maruja Ampatuan Mastura revealed that the deceased woman was married to one of her security personnel. She expressed her lack of understanding regarding the motive behind the attack and emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
According to Lt. Eyana, the victims were en route to Barangay Gaunan when they were ambushed. The crime scene yielded .45-caliber pistol shells, which are being examined as part of the investigation. Eyana has called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the identification of the perpetrators, promising confidentiality to those who come forward.