Gunmen kill councilor candidate, barangay chairman in Lanao del Sur

Gunmen ambushed and killed Afganie Balt Taha, a councilor candidate from Bayang, Lanao del Sur, and his brother Walid, an incumbent barangay chairman of Sumbag, on Monday morning as they were heading to a polling site.

The victims are part of a prominent Maranao clan involved in ongoing political disputes in the region, with relatives alleging that the attack was carried out by political rivals.

According to police officials, Taha and his brother were attacked along their route to Mauyag Papandayan National High School in Barangay Rinabor at around 8 a.m.

Despite efforts by responding officers and barangay officials to provide medical assistance, both victims died upon arrival at a local hospital.

Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR) spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Jopy Ventura said the motive behind the fatal shooting remains undetermined as pursuit operations continue.

Lanao del Sur Police chief Police Colonel Robert Daculan urged for intensified investigation to determine who the suspect is and achieve justice.