Maguindanao board member candidate wounded in ambush

A candidate for provincial board member in Maguindanao del Sur, Muhammad Utti Omar, also known as 'Datu Baba,' and his driver Abel Bunsalagat Buisan were wounded in an ambush on Sunday afternoon.

Omar sustained minor injuries while Buisan suffered serious wounds during the attack near Barangay Brar in Datu Anggal Midtimbang municipality at around 3:10 p.m.

Three armed men using M16 rifles ambushed Omar's Toyota Innova as he was returning from a campaign rally, firing at the vehicle before fleeing.

Local police and military forces responded quickly to prevent further harm and are conducting a manhunt for four suspects involved in the attack.

Omar stated that he will continue his candidacy despite the ambush, while local authorities recovered 50 fired cartridges at the crime scene.

The CHR expressed concern over recent attacks on officials and candidates ahead of upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to restore public confidence in electoral safety and integrity.