A COUPLE and their 17-year-old daughter were killed while a relative was wounded in the latest bloodshed in Maguindanao province.
Police identified the victims as Abdullah Salibak, 40, his wife, Rahima, 37, who was four months pregnant, and their daughter Maimona. Injured was the couple's relative, Rajil Hampar.
All victims are residents of Barangay Poblacion, Datu Saudi Ampatuan.
Based on reports gathered from the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office, the victims were onboard a motorcycle on their way home from their farm in Barangay Iginagampong, Datu Unsay when armed men strafed them using M16 armalite rifles in Barangay Salbo, Datu Saudi around 5:40 p.m. Thursday.
Hamper was able to flee and seek help from residents, while the armed men fled upon the arrival of responding military and police troops.
The wounded victim was brought to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.
Maguindanao Police Provincial Director Alex Linesses believed the men are part of the private armed groups of a politician.
Police are still conducting investigations on the incident.
Residents in the area are now concerned for their safety despite the state of emergency and reinforced police and military troops. (Edgardo Fuerzas)