Ex–Maguindanao official survives ambush in Tacurong

TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — Former Maguindanao del Sur Board Member Taharuddin “Frank” Mlok narrowly escaped an attempted assassination after unidentified gunmen ambushed his vehicle in Tacurong City around midday Tuesday.

Initial police reports showed that Mlok was driving through a busy part of the city when armed assailants opened fire. Witnesses said multiple gunshots rang out, sending motorists and residents scrambling for safety.

Authorities confirmed that Mlok’s armored vehicle absorbed the gunfire, preventing what could have been a fatal attack. Photographs from the scene showed the vehicle riddled with holes from what appeared to be high-caliber weapons. Mlok was unharmed and was escorted by responding officers to a secure location.

Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments to determine the attackers' route of escape. Investigators are also looking into possible motives, including political angles or local clan-related tensions, given Mlok’s continued influence in Maguindanao del Sur politics.

Security has been tightened in key areas of Tacurong City to prevent follow-up incidents.

Mlok has expressed gratitude for surviving the ambush and vowed to cooperate with authorities in identifying the gunmen.