Screen grab of Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Omar A. Samana being shot while delivering his speech 

MANILA, Philippines – Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur Vice Mayor Omar A. Samana is now recovering after being shot Monday (February 24) morning while delivering his speech at an event. 

According to a press release by the local government unit of Datu Piang, Samana was delivering his speech at the 4th Serbisyong Handog ng Inyong Nagmamalasakit at Epektibong Loka na Pamahalaan (SHINE) at the Covid Center at Brgy. Magaslong when the shooting happened.

“We are thankful to report that, by the grace of Allah, Vice Mayor Samana is currently recovering. His family, colleagues and the entire community of Datu Piang continue to offer their support, and we remain hopeful for his full recovery,” Datu Piang LGU said. 

“Authorities are actively investigating the incident and we trust that the necessary steps are being taken to ensure those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” Datu Piang LGU said. 

The local government of Datu Piang also called on their community to stay vigilant and continue to hold the values of peace and mutual respect to ensure the safety of their place and preserve the resiliency of their residents. 

The Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) “strongly condemned the senseless and cowardly attack on the Vice Mayor. 

“This act of violence against a public servant in an attack on the peace, democracy and the rule of law in the Bangsamoro. Such acts have no place in a society striving for justice, good governance and meaningful change,” said Atty. Sha Elijah B. Dumana – Alba, MP of the MILG BARMM. 

Samana’s shooting was even captured on camera and has now gone viral online.