Municipal engineer ambushed and killed in Shariff Aguak

• Engineer Shed Ariff Malang, a municipal engineer from Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, was killed in an ambush on Wednesday evening, July 16, 2025, in Shariff Aguak, with one companion also wounded

• Despite sustaining severe injuries, Engineer Malang managed to drive his pickup truck to a paramilitary detachment, where he and his companion received aid, before succumbing to his wounds at the hospital

• Police have initiated a massive manhunt for the unidentified assailants, with authorities actively investigating the motive behind the attack and appealing for public information

• The brazen ambush underscores ongoing security concerns and the prevalence of violence targeting public figures in certain areas of Maguindanao del Sur and the broader BARMM region

A prominent municipal engineer from Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, was tragically ambushed and killed on Wednesday evening, July 16, 2025, in Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak.

Engineer Shed Ariff Malang, who served as the municipal engineer, succumbed to his injuries upon arrival at the Maguindanao provincial hospital.

The fatal attack, which also left one of his companions wounded, has prompted an extensive manhunt for the perpetrators.

The ambush occurred around 6:15 p.m. as Engineer Malang was driving a black Chevrolet pickup truck.

He was traveling with three other passengers, en route to Shariff Aguak from Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, when unidentified assailants launched the attack.

Despite sustaining grave injuries, Engineer Malang exhibited remarkable presence of mind and courage.

According to Police Colonel Sultan Salman Sapal, the provincial police director, Malang managed to continue driving the vehicle for a considerable distance until they reached a nearby paramilitary detachment.

This act of sheer determination allowed them to seek immediate assistance. Responding militiamen from the detachment swiftly rushed Malang and his wounded companion to the hospital.

Colonel Sapal confirmed that while Engineer Malang unfortunately passed away, one of his three companions sustained injuries during the ambush, while the other two occupants of the vehicle were unharmed.

The identities of the attackers remain unknown, and the motive behind this audacious act is still under active investigation by authorities.

The ambush highlights the persistent security challenges faced by officials and residents in certain areas of Maguindanao del Sur.

The region has, at times, been prone to acts of violence, including ambushes targeting public figures.

Law enforcement agencies are now pooling all resources and information, including witness accounts and potential intelligence, to identify and apprehend those responsible for Engineer Malang's death.

The brazenness of the attack, targeting a government official in a civilian vehicle, has sent ripples through the local community and underscores the need for continued vigilance and security measures.

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward, emphasizing the commitment to bring the culprits to justice.

The manhunt involves coordination across various law enforcement units in the province, as they strive to piece together the events of Wednesday evening and determine the motives behind this fatal assault.

This incident marks another somber note in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where dedicated public servants like Engineer Malang play crucial roles in local development.

The swift response of the paramilitary detachment, though unable to save Malang's life, showcased the importance of accessible security outposts in volatile areas.

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News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, a mother and her daughter died after their tricycle was hit by an ambulance in Labo, Camarines Norte. The family was on their way home from school when the incident occurred on Maharlika Highway, Barangay Bulhao. The mother and daughter passed away while being treated at the hospital; the father, who was driving the tricycle, is in critical condition. All occupants of the ambulance, including the patient being transported to Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, are safe.

Still in other news, a significant public disturbance occurred on Lacson Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila, this past Tuesday, involving a large group of youth engaged in a riot, throwing objects and wielding improvised weapons. The incident featured two distinct confrontations within an hour; police intervention led to the arrest of three adults (aged 20-28) and the rescue of three minors who were later turned over to their parents. Local officials from Barangay 411 lamented that the area is a frequent "battleground" for youth gangs, who often time their riots during periods when police patrols are less active. The apprehended adults have been formally charged with "alarm and scandal," highlighting the legal consequences for engaging in such public disturbances.

Source: KAMI.com.gh