Fatal Clashes Mark Maguindanao del Norte Monday
In a violent day in Maguindanao del Norte, a man and his son died during an alleged anti-drug operation, while a separate ambush claimed the lives of a family of three, officials reported.
Authorities confirmed that the four-word keyphrase “Maguindanao del Norte ambush” unfolded in two tragic incidents on Monday, September 1, 2025. These events have heightened concerns over security in the region.
Anti-Drug Operation Ends in Deadly Shootout
Lt. Colonel Esmael Madin, chief of the Datu Odin municipal police, stated that Mandangan Noden, 48, a local farmer, and his 19-year-old son Iverson were killed during a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Bagoinged, Datu Odin Sinsuat town, at around 12:30 p.m.
According to police accounts, the suspects opened fire upon realizing they were confronting law enforcement officers. This triggered a fierce firefight that lasted approximately two hours, with the police operation supported by Army units.
“When the suspects learned they were dealing with lawmen, they opened fire,” a local official said, recounting the tense moments of the encounter.
During the clash, an armed group unexpectedly arrived to reinforce the suspects, further complicating the situation. However, the gunmen eventually retreated into the surrounding forest.
Authorities recovered two rifles—a military-grade M14 and M16—along with ammunition, illegal drugs valued at around P1.6 million, and drug paraphernalia near the victims’ bodies.
One suspect, identified as James and reportedly a son of the slain Mandangan Noden, managed to escape the scene according to sources familiar with the case.
Family Ambushed in Sultan Kudarat Village
Less than 30 minutes after the anti-drug operation, a separate tragedy struck in the neighboring town of Sultan Kudarat. A family of three was ambushed while traveling in the village of Nalinan, police confirmed.
Lt. Colonel Jopy Ventura, representing the Bangsamoro police, reported that Ibrahim Payapat, his wife Zenaida Kusain, 32, and their 16-year-old daughter Aisa were attacked while riding a tricycle, locally known as a “payong-payong,” on their way home.
Payapat was killed instantly, while his wife and daughter succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Cotabato Sanitarium and General Hospital.
The couple’s 11-year-old son survived but sustained injuries from the attack.
Investigators are currently probing the motives behind the ambush, as the attackers remain unidentified. “The attackers remained unidentified as investigators tried to determine their motives for the attack,” a community leader noted.
Heightened Security Concerns in Maguindanao del Norte
These violent incidents underscore ongoing security challenges in Maguindanao del Norte, prompting local authorities to intensify patrols and investigations.
Community members expressed their shock and grief, calling for swift justice and improved safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
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