Explosion rocks Maguindanao del Sur vice gubernatorial candidate’s residence

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This latest incident comes on the heels of a previous attack on April 18, 2025, where three grenades detonated by riding-in-tandem suspects within the town hall compound

COTABATO CITY – A chilling wave of violence has once again shattered the fragile peace in Buluan town, as an explosion ripped through the vicinity of vice gubernatorial candidate Hisham Nando’s residence late Sunday evening, May 4.

The incident, confirmed by local authorities, has sent shockwaves through the region, intensifying fears ahead of the May 2025 elections.

The blast, which occurred around 8 pm, targeted the gate of Nando’s property in Poblacion Buluan, the same barangay recently rocked by a grenade attack last April 18.

Nando, a key figure in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was reportedly away at a campaign rally in Talayan, Maguindanao Del Sur, when the incident unfolded.

“There was a loud explosion,” Nando stated in a phone interview, confirming the attack. “We will await the results of the investigation. I have no idea who or what could be the motive, as I have no personal grudges except for my participation in the election race.”

He assured supporters that he would not be intimidated by the incident.

Lt. Dean Carlo Macusi, Buluan’s chief of police, confirmed the explosion, while Police Regional Office of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BAR) spokesperson LtCol. Jopy Ventura revealed that a hot pursuit operation is underway.

“The explosion was perpetrated by a malefactor, and the gate in front of Nando’s house sustained slight damages,” Ventura stated.

The attack has drawn swift condemnation from local leaders, including Mayor Baby Dhats Mangudadatu of Buluan town who denounced the act as a “cowardly move” and called for immediate action from law enforcement.

“We highly condemn this act. [Nando] is a peaceful man, and his platform is bringing unity to Maguindanao Del Sur,” Mangudadatu declared on social media. “We will not let this crime pass.”

This latest incident comes on the heels of a previous attack on April 18, 2025, where three grenades detonated by riding-in-tandem suspects within the town hall compound, damaging businesses and vehicles and injuring one individual. The crime was caught by a CCTV. 

 Escalating violence has prompted heightened security concerns. Buluan was recently designated as the second town in the Bangsamoro Region under COMELEC control. – Rappler.com