Flags at Half-Staff Mourn Maguindanao Engineer’s Death
In Maguindanao del Sur, the municipal hall and police station of Shariff Saydona Mustapha solemnly flew the Philippine flag at half-staff. This act of mourning honored the municipal engineer, Syed Ariff Malang, who was tragically killed in an ambush by unidentified assailants the previous evening.
Local officials and police strongly condemned the killing of Engr. Malang, a respected public servant. Capt. Ralph Waldy Bunag, the town’s police officer-in-charge, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “In deep sorrow and respect, the PNP and the municipality of Shariff Saydona Mustapha mourn the tragic death of (Malang), a valued and dedicated employee of the local government unit,” Bunag shared.
Condemnation and Call for Justice
Bunag emphasized that this senseless violence is firmly denounced by the police and municipal government. He assured the community and Malang’s family that authorities would pursue justice with urgency and determination. The lowered flags serve not only as a tribute to Malang’s service but also as a symbol of collective grief.
Mayor Sajid Andre S. Ampatuan also condemned the killing in strong terms. Noting that Malang is the second public official attacked since March 17, when the municipal accountant was similarly slain, Ampatuan called the act a direct assault on dedicated public servants. “The targeting of our personnel is intolerable,” he stressed.
Urgent Measures and Protection for Public Servants
The mayor urged the police to exhaust all legal remedies to identify, arrest, and prosecute those behind this crime. He also called for enhanced protection measures for government employees to prevent further violence against officials in the line of duty.
According to provincial police director Colonel Sultan Salman Sapal, Malang was driving a black Chevrolet pickup with three passengers when ambushed at Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, around 6:15 p.m. Despite his wounds, Malang managed to drive to a paramilitary detachment where he sought help. Rescuers then rushed him to the Maguindanao provincial hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
One of Malang’s companions sustained injuries, while two others escaped unharmed. Malang, a resident of Shariff Aguak, leaves behind a grieving community mourning the loss of a dedicated public official.
This attack follows the killing of lawyer and municipal accountant Junisa Kimamao in Datu Odin Sinsuat town earlier this year. Kimamao’s fiancé survived that ambush, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by public servants in the area.
For more news and updates on Maguindanao del Sur public officials, visit Filipinokami.com.
