4 killed, 3 injured as armed men attack Sultan Kudarat town
Police scene of the crime operatives investigate the carnage that claimed four lives in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, May 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida)
COTABATO CITY — Unidentified men bearing assault rifles swooped down on a farming village in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao del Norte province on Monday afternoon and strafed several houses, killing a 10-year-old girl and three other members of her family, police said.
Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat police chief, said the attack occurred at 1:20 p.m. in Siito Katorse, Baragay Ladia of Sultan Kudarat town.
The fatalities were identified as Mokaram Sarat, 73, Basit Gampong, 63, Kadir Sarat Indaw, 29, and Rohana Sarat Indaw, 10, all relatives and residents of Barangay Ladia.
They died on the spot, said Madin.
READ: Cop wounded, gunman slain in Sultan Kudarat highway shootout
Three of their relatives survived after they were able to run away from their homes during the strafing, but suffered injuries for which they are undergoing treatment in a government hospital.
Citing the account of witnesses, Madin said in his report to the Maguindanao del Norte police provincial office that six men on board a minivan without license plate arrived in the village.
As soon as they embarked, they started shooting victims on sight using automatic rifles and fled using the same vehicle.
The motive of the attack and the identities of the attackers remained unknown as of posting as investigation is still in progress./mr
