Policeman, tricycle driver injured in Maguindanao Norte ambush

DAVAO CITY– A policeman and a tricycle driver were injured in a daring ambush in Barangay Awang on Tuesday, December 31.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), revealed on Thursday, January 2, that the attack targeted Police Cpl. Tohami Musa, a Tausug from Tawi-Tawi. Gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on Musa’s Toyota Hilux pick-up, prompting him to return fire.

Despite being wounded, Musa managed to defend himself and his wife, who was riding with him, as they drove toward the intersection of the Isulan-Cotabato and Cotabato-Upi routes. Fortunately, Musa’s wife escaped the ambush unharmed.

The ambush also left tricycle driver Ghob injured. He is currently recovering in the hospital, though details of how he was caught in the attack remain unclear.

Cpl. Musa, a member of the PNP PRO-BAR stationed in Tawi-Tawi, stated that he had no idea who the assailants were or what their motive might have been.

Brig. Gen. Macapaz confirmed that police had obtained CCTV footage showing Musa emerging from his bullet-riddled vehicle and engaging in a gunfight with the attackers. The footage also shows the suspects fleeing the scene on their motorcycle.

Authorities are conducting an investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the ambush. The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the region as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to maintain peace and order.