SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — A village chairperson and his wife were fatally ambushed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday night in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, as they returned home from a local celebration.
According to Philippines News Agency, the municipal police chief, the victims were identified as Esmael Mustapha, chair of Barangay Bulibod, and his wife, Rahima Mustapha, who also served as the village secretary. The couple was attacked shortly after 10 p.m. while walking home from the foundation anniversary activities held at the municipal gymnasium.
The scene of the crime, where the couple was shot, was found littered with empty bullet shells by responding police officers. Investigations are ongoing as authorities have not yet identified the gunmen or determined the motive behind the killing.