Politics · Philippines Bureau
Village official shot in Maguindanao del Norte despite election gun ban
A barangay councilor in Datu Odin Sinsuat town was wounded in an armed attack Tuesday morning, authorities said. The incident occurred while an election-related firearms prohibition remains in force across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
LSN Philippines ·
Police reported that unidentified gunmen opened fire on Rusman Agar Pinguiaman, 33, a village councilor from Barangay Baka in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, Maguindanao del Norte, at approximately 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday. The attack left him with injuries, though police did not immediately specify the severity of his wounds.
The shooting occurred amid an ongoing election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao, which typically restricts the carrying and use of firearms during electoral periods to ensure voter safety and orderly conduct of elections.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, though the motive for the attack and the identities of the assailants remain unclear. The attack underscores persistent security challenges in parts of Mindanao despite measures to maintain peace during electoral processes.
No immediate arrests have been reported in connection with the shooting. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.