1 killed, 3 wounded in Maguindanao ambush

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A man was killed while three others were wounded in an attack by motorcycle-riding men in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on Monday.

Hadji Nano Utap, 40, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital where his companions – Tateks Kalunsiang, 45; Hadji Fahad Namo, 38, and a six-year-old boy – were also rushed for treatment.

Utap was the 14th fatality in gun attacks that occurred in the province since the election period started on Jan. 12.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Bangsamoro police director, said Utap and his relatives, were in a van when the gunmen shot them in Barangay Paso.

Kalunsiang, who was on a motorcycle tailing the van, fell off his vehicle after a bullet hit him.

Probers have yet to determine the motive for the attack.