Gunman sought in Datu Piang councilor's slay

Police and military forces are searching for a gunman involved in the killing of reelected Datu Piang Councilor Thong Mamasalanao Asim in Maguindanao del Sur.

The attack occurred Wednesday afternoon near Asim's home in Barangay Poblacion, where he sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

The assailant, described as wearing black shorts and a black jacket with glasses, fled the scene on foot.

Investigators recovered seven spent .45-caliber bullet casings and two deformed slugs from the crime scene.

The Datu Piang town government and the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) have condemned the killing.

UBJP provincial chief and newly elected Vice Governor of Maguindanao del Sur, Ustadz Hisham Nando, urged authorities to thoroughly investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.

Asim, a 56-year-old agriculture businessman, was serving his third and final term and was a party mate of Mayor Victor Samama in the UBJP.