Mindanao ambush leaves 3 dead

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three people including two members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographic Unit-Active Auxiliary were killed in an ambush by unidentified armed men in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur yesterday morning.

Militiamen Samsamin Kabagani and Danny Minandang, and their civilian companion, Esmael Manabilang, died at the scene of the ambush, authorities said.

Investigation showed the victims were on a motorcycle when a group of men opened fire at them in Barangay Manungkaling.

A resident, Mohamidin Usman, was hit by a stray bullet. He was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The gunmen escaped on separate motorcycles.

Probers have yet to determine the motive for the killing.