2 slain in Maguindanao ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two men were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur yesterday.

Kamarudin Ebus and Mohalidin Esmael died at the scene of the attack that occurred at noon in Barangay Salbu. Their companion, Kennedy Adin, was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The victims were in a pick-up truck on their way to Cotabato City when the gunmen waylaid them along the Cotabato-Isulan Highway in Sitio Panang, according to Col. Michael John Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police director.

Local officials have been asked to help probers identify the assailants.

Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Bangsamoro police, said the attack occurred near a detachment of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary.