Ex-Talayan, Maguindanao mayor and son hit in grenade blast

TALAYAN, Maguindanao - A former town mayor who was also a candidate in the 2016 gubernatorial race was wounded with his son after a grenade was lobbed at their vehicle at around 1 p.m. on Friday in Talayan.

Reports from responding policemen from nearby Guindulungan town identified the injured as Datu Ali Midtimbang and his son Nathaniel, incumbent vice-mayor of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town

Aside from the father and son, six others were hurt in the explosion, including security aides identified as Abdul Manap Manumol, Tho Karim, Datumanong Muyak, Sindatok Haron, Jimmy Makalanga, and Mohaimen Midtimbang.

The victims were believed to be on their way home after saying their prayers in their hometown.

The wounded victims were brought to a Cotabato hospital for treatment.

A firefight erupted in Talayan town between policemen and the armed group believed to be responsible for the attack. The assailants were eventually able to flee.

“They left their red Barako type motorcycle and fled toward Cotabato direction, the suspects joined the flock out Muslim faithfuls concealing in a yellow Malong (cloth) and mix with attendees during the Friday prayer when they plotted the attack”, said Chief Inspector Jun Oris, Talayan police chief.

Engineer Pascua Dawi, an associate of the Midtimbang family who survived the attack unscathed, said they were about to leave the mosque when the explosion took place.

“That was a loud explosion, then we saw another one has not exploded, we scampered to different directions,” he said.

Former Guindulungan town Mayor Datu Midpantao Midtimbang, brother of the elder Midtimbang, condemned the attack which happened during a holy Friday prayer.

The former mayor, however, appealed for calm and discouraged the public against spreading speculations, like claiming the attack was politically motivated.

“Let's wait for the outcome of the investigation done by authorities. Let's not spread baseless accusations and speculations,” he told reporters.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman who immediately visited the victims in Cotabato City hospital and arranged logistical support for the air lift to Davao Hospital of Midtimbang victims  has also condemned the attack.

Datu Ali Midtimbang is considered the patriarch of Midtimbang clan of Maguindanao.

He was the opposition bet who ran for Maguindanao governor in 2016 Maguindanao elections but lost to eventual winner Esmael Mangudadatu but did not succeeded. —KG, GMA News