Maguindanao del Sur vice mayor shot during speech

Vice Mayor Mohammad Omar Abpi Samama of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, was shot in the abdomen by a suspected sniper while delivering a speech during a public service event in Barangay Magaslong on Monday, February 24, 2025.

He was rushed to Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for surgery and is now recuperating in a hospital, remaining conscious during transport.

Samama, who is seeking reelection in the May 2025 elections under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), was on stage with his father, Datu Piang Mayor Victor Samama.

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) condemned the attack, stating it is an assault on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in Bangsamoro.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia also condemned the incident, calling it an open challenge and emphasizing that violence has no place in a civilized society.

The MILG urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate and bring those responsible to justice.