Villager dead, 2 hurt in Cotabato ambush

One villager was killed and two others sustained injuries after an ambush in a remote area of Cotabato, authorities reported. The incident occurred late in the afternoon when a group of unidentified assailants opened fire on residents traveling along a rural road.

According to initial reports from the local police, the victims were heading home when their vehicle was intercepted. The attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, leaving the victims to be assisted by nearby villagers who called authorities for help. The deceased was pronounced dead at the site while the two injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify the suspects. Early indications suggest that the ambush could be linked to local disputes, but authorities are not ruling out other possible reasons. Officers are coordinating with community leaders and conducting patrols in the area to prevent further incidents.

Residents expressed fear and concern over the ambush, saying such attacks disrupt daily life and threaten the safety of villagers traveling in remote areas. Local officials assured the public that security measures will be strengthened and urged anyone with information to come forward to help authorities bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Cotabato police remain on high alert as they continue gathering evidence and tracking leads. Investigators are also reviewing eyewitness statements and other information from nearby checkpoints to piece together the circumstances of the attack.