Maguindanao election officer, husband ambushed and killed

Election officer Bai Maceda Lidasan Abo and her husband Joejo Olea Abo were killed in an ambush by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Wednesday, March 26.

The couple was traveling in their Toyota Fortuner when the attack occurred around 8:30 a.m. in Barangay Makir, with the vehicle crashing into a tree after the assailants shot them.

Both victims sustained multiple bullet wounds and were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

The incident occurred two days before the campaign period for local positions began, and relatives believe the attack is related to Abo's work.

Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat condemned the attack and urged an immediate resolution.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering placing the town under Comelec control due to the incident and other recent violent occurrences.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia noted that the killing is considered poll-related, despite the motive being unclear.

Army and police intelligence units are now cooperating in the investigation to identify the perpetrators.