Maguindanao del Sur town's vice mayor hurt in shooting incident

Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Datu Omar Samama, who is seeking reelection in the May 2025 polls, was injured after getting shot on Monday morning.

Samama was giving a speech when he was shot, according to a report by Sandra Aguinaldo on State of the Nation.

He was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia condemned the incident.

"We are so saddened and we accept this as an open challenge to us and other law enforcement authorities. Violence has no place in a civilized society," Garcia said.

In a statement, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also condemned the attack against Samama.

“This act of violence against a public servant is an attack on peace, democracy, and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro. Such acts have no place in a society striving for justice, good governance, and meaningful change under the leadership of the BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim,” the MILG said.

The MILG also expressed solidarity with Samama, his family, and the Datu Piang residents.

“We call on law enforcement agencies to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the MILG said.

The MILG said that the safety of local officials and communities remains its top priority and it will not allow violence and lawlessness to affect the progress of BARMM.

Also, the MILG called on the public to remain vigilant and work together in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law.

Datu Piang is among the red areas of concern for Eleksyon 2025.

Meanwhile, data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that one election-related violence has been recorded in Western Visayas.

Authorities are investigating two other incidents in Zamboanga Peninsula and Soccsksargen if these are also election-related.

The PNP also said gun ban violators have reached 1,183. —KG, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.