Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 12)— Nine people were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush in Guindulungan, Maguindanao Saturday morning, officials confirmed.
Police said the victims — on a convoy of two vehicles — were on their way to Barangay Kalumamis when the attack took place.
The group included Peges Mamasainged alias “Commander Black Magic,” a member of the inner guard base command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Local officials said Mamasainged was the possible target of the ambush.
Those injured were rushed to the Maguindanao Provincial Hospital, Public Information Officer Fayed Cana told CNN Philippines.
The suspects behind the killings are also alleged members of the MILF, authorities added.
Further investigation is ongoing, but police said the likely motive of the incident is “the long-standing family feud or grudge” between the concerned parties.
