Sablan: Maguindanao del Sur Police authorities in Maguindanao del Sur have launched a manhunt operation against gunmen who ambushed and injured an off-duty police officer on Tuesday night in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town. Capt. Steffi Salanguit, speaking for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with the military units assigned to the towns of Datu Saudi and Datu Salibo.

According to Philippines News Agency, Police Staff Sgt. Samsudin Utto Abdullah, 51, was driving his car heading for home from work when unidentified gunmen on a motorbike opened fire on his multi-purpose vehicle at 8 p.m. Tuesday. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand and was immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Salanguit said that Abdullah is a dedicated police officer who is performing his duties at a police checkpoint in Barangay Lower Salbu and has no known enemies. A witness reported that Abdullah, a resident of Datu Salibo, managed to return fire and may have injured one of his two motorcycle-riding attackers, who quickly sped off in an unknown direction.

Police pursuit operations are ongoing against the perpetrators.