THE mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte, strongly condemned the ambush of the provincial election officer and her husband in Barangay Makir on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in broad daylight.
The victims were identified as Maceda Lidasan Abo, the election officer for Maguindanao del Norte, and her husband, Jojo. Maceda was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, while Jojo was pronounced dead at the scene. The couple was traveling to the Dalican Election Office in their SUV when they were attacked by unidentified gunmen.
In his official statement, Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat urged the barangay local government unit (BLGU) of Makir and the residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat to cooperate with authorities in identifying the perpetrators.
“Nanawagan ako sa BLGU Makir at sa mga residente ng DOS na makipagtulungan sa ating awtoridad sa pagtukoy ng mga kriminal na gumawa nito. Kung meron kayong impormason, sana ay inyong ipagbigay alam agad-agad sa ating LGU o sa mga authorized national agencies na maaring makalutas ng kasong ito,” a portion of the official’s statement said.
(I call on the BLGU Makir and the residents of Datu Odin Sinsuat to assist our authorities in identifying the criminals behind this act. If you have any information, please immediately report it to our LGU or to the authorized national agencies who may help solve this case).
The mayor also appealed to local police and military forces to focus on investigating the ongoing violence in Datu Odin Sinsuat, especially the recent ambushes along national highways involving key local government officials.
“Nanawagan din ako sa ating mga kapulisan at kasundaluhan na bigyan pansin at agarang imbestigahan ang mga nangyayaring panggugulo sa Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipality, lalong lalo na itong mga pananambang na nangyayari sa ating national highways involving key personalities in the Local Government Unit of Datu Odin Sinsuat,” the statement added.
(I also urge our police and military personnel to promptly investigate the ongoing disturbances in Datu Odin Sinsuat, especially these ambushes targeting key figures in the local government).
Meanwhile, Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Election Supervisor lawyer Mohammad Nabil Mutia confirmed that Bangsamoro authorities have already begun investigating the incident. Efforts are underway to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.
Mutia said that they are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and ensure peace and security in the region. DEF