Maguindanao Province legislator Datu Baba Omar was ambushed by gunfire while campaigning, fortunately, he was unharmed, but his accompanying driver was shot and is currently receiving medical treatment in the hospital.
The shooting incident occurred at the boundary of Barangay Kiteb between Datu Odin Sinsuat and Datu Anggal Midtimbang. According to preliminary investigations, around 3 PM that day, Omar was traveling in a black Toyota Innova, heading to another political event, when he was suddenly ambushed by unidentified assailants.
Maguindanao official Taharudin Frank Mlok stated that the attackers apparently had set up an ambush in advance, acting professionally, and it is suspected to be an organized action, possibly intended to prevent Omar's re-election or to create election panic.
The injured driver, though shot, still managed to drive calmly to the nearest Community Police Assistance Center (COMPAC) for support, avoiding more severe consequences. The police have not yet disclosed the identity of the driver, and the case is under further investigation.
Omar is the current legislator for the first district of South Maguindanao, currently seeking re-election. He is part of "Team Agila," led by former TESDA Director Suharto Teng Mangudadatu, who is running for governor of North Maguindanao Province and has formed a political alliance with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.
The police have not ruled out political motives and are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the background of the attack, the identity of the suspects, and potential behind-the-scenes forces. The local situation remains tense, and law enforcement agencies have called on all candidates to enhance security measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.
