A barangay chairman in Lanao del Sur was killed while his companion was injured in an ambush in Malabang town.

Binhar Julambre Alon Jawad, 25, chairman of Barangay Baraas in Picong, Lanao del Sur did not reach the hospital alive.

His 20-year-old companion sustained injuries.

Police said the two were on board a sports utility vehicle (SUV) on their way to a graduation ceremony in Barangay Bacayawan, Malabang when at least five assailants shot them as they were exiting the diversion road in Barangay Montay.

Investigators are coordinating with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to have the bullets recovered from the crime scene undergo a ballistic examination.

Authorities are pursuing the suspects, as of this writing.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the ambush.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the families of the victims for a statement, as of this writing.