Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur — Safe and recovering.
This is the current reports on the status of the incumbent vice mayor of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, following a gun attack.
Around 9:30 to 10:00 morning of February 24, Vice Mayor Mohammad Omar Samama was present at the Shine Convergence Program held at an evacuation center in Barangay Magaslong.
Videos during the program showed that while in the middle of his message, a gunshot was heard in the vicinity, followed by Samama falling down.
Samama was immediately sent to the hospital for treatment.
Maguindanao Del Sur board member King Mangudadatu said in a Facebook post that Samama is now out of danger and recovering at the hospital.
This was also confirmed by the local government of Datu Piang.
“We are thankful to report that, by the grace of Allah, Vice Mayor Samama is currently recovering. His family, colleagues, and the entire community of Datu Piang continue to offer their support, and we remain hopeful for his full recovery,” Datu Piang LGU said in a press release.
Meanwhile, authorities are conducting hot pursuit operations to identify and apprehend the suspect behind the incident.
As of the last reports, the identity and potential motive of the gunman is yet to be confirmed.
Following the incident, the provincial government of Maguindanao del Sur strongly condemned the attack.
“Ito ay tahasang pagbabanta sa ating isinusulong na kapayapaan na nagdudulot ng labis na takot at pangamba sa ating mga kababayan. Ito rin ay malinaw na paglalapastangan sa karapatang pantao ng bawat Bangsamoro,” Maguindanao del sur Provincial Government stated in a press release.
They also joined the call for the quick apprehension of those behind the incident.
BARMM’s Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) also condemned the attack, saying that it is also an attack towards the peace, democracy, and rule of law of Bangsamoro.
Further, they emphasized priority on security of officials and of the community against these kinds of violence.
“The MILG stands in solidarity with Vice Mayor Samama, his family, and the people of Datu Piang during this difficult time. We urge everyone to remain vigilant and work together in upholding peace, security, and the rule of law in our communities,” stated in MILG’s statement of condemnation.
Samama is seeking for re-election as the vice mayor of the town running under the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), political party ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Investigations will remain ongoing, especially that this happened during the campaign period for election.
It can be recalled that last week, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the bill postponing the first-ever BARMM parliamentary elections in October instead of in May.