9 dead in ambush in Maguindanao

Nine people were killed and died on the spot when unidentified armed men staged an ambush on a convoy of maroon and black pick-up trucks in Guindulungan, Maguindanao on Saturday morning.

The news was confirmed by Guindulungan Mayor Midpantao Midtimbang Jr.

Initial reports said a Kumander Pags Mamasainged alias "Black Magic" was allegedly the target of the ambush.

Maguindanao Police spokesperson Police Lieutenant Fayeed Cana said Mamasainged's group aboard three SUVs was on the way to Barangay Kitapok in Datu Saudi Ampatuan for a "rido" settlement with the family of a Jordan Mamalintang when the incident occurred in Barangay Kalumamis.

Interviewed at Super Radyo DZBB, BARMM Regional Police Office PIO Police Lieutenant Colonel Cristio Lagyop Jr. said authorities have already identified six of the victims.

Lagyop said the incident happened at around 8:30 a.m. in Brgy. Tambunan II in the said municipality.

Mamasainged is a member of the Inner Guard base command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), according to the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office.

Authorities are eyeing on family feud as a possible motive of the ambush.

"Merong matagal nang alitan itong grupo ng victim at itong grupo ng suspek (There has been a long-running dispute between the victim's group and the group of the suspects)," Lagyop said. —with a report from Jamil Santos/KG/LBG, GMA News