AMBUSHED. The ill-fated vehicle of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao councilor Ruben Mindalagat, who together with companion Mokamad Mindalagat, died in an ambush perpetrated by still unknown gunmen in Kabacan, North Cotabato on Sunday (March 15, 2020). Police have yet to determine if the ambush against the town official was work-related or personal grudge. (Photo courtesy of Kabacan MPS)
KABACAN, North Cotabato – Police are hot on the trail of armed men who ambushed and killed a municipal councilor of Maguindanao and a companion along the stretch of the highway here on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North Cotabato police, identified the slain councilor as Ruben "Udzi" Mindalagat of Datu Montawal, Maguindanao.
“The councilor died on the spot,” Tayong said.
His companion, Mokamad Mindalagat, was critically injured and later pronounced dead on arrival at Albutra hospital situated about 20 meters away from the ambush scene.
The two were heading home in Datu Montawal aboard a black Honda Fit vehicle (MGE-382) driven by the town official from Kabacan public market where they bought food supplies when ambushed at 10:30 a.m.
Maj. Peter Pinalgan, Kabacan town police chief, said the remains of the victims were taken by their relatives and buried according to Muslim rites.
Aside from ongoing pursuit operations, Pinalgan said they have also invited several “persons of interest” to shed light on the incident. (PNA)
