‘Araw’ participants reminded to always keep safety in mind Maguindanao Sur poll exec killed in ambush

The election officer of the municipality of Sultan sa Barongis in Maguindanao del Sur was killed in an ambush while on his way home Monday afternoon.

Election officer Haviv Macabangen Maindan died after he suffered multiple gunshot wounds, according to lawyer Udtog Tago, provincial director of the Commission on Elections in Maguindanao.

The ambush took place 2:30 p.m. in Purok Libas, Barangay Pinguiaman, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat province. Lambayong, although in another province, is situated between the municipalities of Sultan sa Barongis and Buluan (where Maindan’s home is), both of Maguindanao del Sur.

His security escort, Rolly Dilangalen, who is also his uncle, reportedly managed to survive as he was seated in the back part of the car.

Tago said six armed suspects with long firearms positioned themselves in a bridge and fired upon Maindan’s vehicle. The latter’s vehicle was thrown off the highway and settled in a muddy grassy area.

Tago said he was able to attend the short wake period of his municipal officer before the body was sent to Maindan’s final resting place in his hometown of Pikit, Cotabato Monday evening for a Muslim burial ceremony.

He added that Maindan was a generous person and he could not believe somebody wanted him dead.

Maindan was originally assigned as election officer of Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur.

At the time of election in May 2022, he was reassigned to Mangudadatu, also in the same province, before his latest assignment in Sultan sa Barongis.

The COMELEC office in Maguindanao condemned the attack and sought a thorough investigation.

Asked if the motive

FMAGUINDANAO, P10

By MAYA M. PADILLO

Jennifer Romero, officer-in-charge of the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO), encouraged participants of the 86th Araw ng Davao on Tuesday to always keep safety in mind with restrictions already lifted.

“We will follow the basic guidelines ug ato gihapon na siya i-implement ug mag amping gihapon ta bisan relax na ang restrictions. This is a full blast face-to-face activities, safety gihapon ang atoang main concern,” Romero said over Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Tuesday.

The city government of Davao has released an official list of activities including the new Araw ng Dabaw Music and Arts Festival, which is not only a music festival but a channel to exhibit the artworks of young talented artists. This will be highlighted with an art installation exhibit and selected artworks will be displayed at the Davao Coastal Road during the festival on March 4, 2023.

“This is a street party at the same time naa ta’y ibutang nga mga art installtion. Mag start at 5 pm. This is one specific event nga atong pagabuhaton sa area because we will be introducing a

3D drone light show and that is the safest area na puwede mamugna ang activity sa coastal road, Bago Aplaya portion,” Romero said.

The coastal road extends from Bago Aplaya in the South to R. Castillo in the North. Last year, the coastal road which stretches from Bago Aplaya to Barangay Talomo was opened to the public for walking, biking, and exercise activities.

Meanwhile, oth-