In yet another tragic episode of violence in Maguindanao del Sur, a Moro couple were killed in an ambush on Saturday, January 18, while riding a motorcycle along a stretch of highway in Barangay Damalusay, Datu Paglas. The attack underscores the growing crisis of riding-in-tandem killings in the region, where scores of people have lost their lives in similar incidents over recent years.
Deru Dimaguil and his wife, Suraida Barhama Dimaguil, both residents of Datu Paglas, were killed instantly, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Their eight-year-old daughter, who was with them during the ambush, survived unharmed.
Police and Local Authorities Respond
Brig. Gen. Juan Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), reported that the couple was on their way to an undisclosed destination when gunmen attacked them. Despite immediate attention from authorities, investigators remain clueless about the identities and motives of the perpetrators.
Local officials expressed concern over the rising violence, noting that riding-in-tandem killings have become a persistent threat.
The Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office has yet to determine the motive of the attack.
Ambush: A Grim Trend
The ambush that claimed the Dimaguil coupleโs lives is part of a broader wave of violence in Maguindanao. Riding-in-tandem killings have plagued the region.
In 2018, the Human Rights Watch pegged the number of victims to “motorcycle riding suspects” at 755. The Philippine National Police (PNP) does not maintain a consistent database of this type of killings.
Many of these cases remain unresolved, reflecting both the challenges of law enforcement and the complexities of addressing security in a region rife with political and social tensions.
Calls for Justice and Security
Barangay officials and local leaders have called for intensified efforts to curb violence and bring perpetrators to justice. The survival of the coupleโs young daughter has become a poignant symbol of resilience amid tragedy. But her loss also highlights the urgent need for action.
As authorities continue their investigation, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that persist in Maguindanaoโs highways. The regionโs leaders face mounting pressure to ensure the safety of its residents and address the root causes of such atrocities.
