A tragic shooting incident occurred on the afternoon of October 19, 2024, in Barangay Pagagawan, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao Del Sur, resulting in the deaths of a couple well-known in their community. The victims, identified as Soliven Salacub and his wife Noraida “Sempak” Abas-Salacub, were residents of Barangay Fort Pikit in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM. They were both prominent entrepreneurs in Pikit, North Cotabato.
According to initial reports, the couple was traveling on their gray Yamaha NMAX motorcycle from Pikit to Kidapawan City. While passing through Barangay Pagagawan, they were approached by unidentified gunmen who shot them at close range. Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds, which led to their immediate deaths.
Local authorities, led by Barangay Chairman Datu Tongko Mangadad, responded quickly to the scene, but the assailants had already fled. Witnesses reported that the attackers stole Noraida’s sling bag, which contained cash and valuable personal items, before fleeing the scene. Despite efforts by concerned residents to rush the victims to Deseret Hospital in Kabacan, North Cotabato, the couple was declared dead on arrival.
The motive behind the crime remains unclear, with family members expressing their confusion, as the couple had no known enemies. The victims were well-respected in their community, and their violent deaths have left their family and friends in shock and grief. Their remains are set to be laid to rest today in Barangay Dalingaoan, Pikit, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Meanwhile, the Datu Montawal Police are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The victims’ relatives are calling for swift action, demanding justice for the brutal killing of Soliven and Noraida.
