Tugunan, SGA-BARMM — A suspect was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital following a shootout with authorities in Barangay Macabual, Tugunan, Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM), earlier today, January 3, 2025.
The suspect, identified by the Tugunan Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Ali Sansaluna, a resident of Sitio Minela, Barangay Simone, Old Kabacan, was alleged to have shot and injured two siblings, Datu Tongs and Datu Sadin, during the incident.
According to reports from the Tugunan Police, authorities, along with Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members, responded immediately after receiving a call about the shooting. Upon arrival, Sansaluna reportedly fired at the responding team with a .45 caliber pistol, prompting the authorities to retaliate. The suspect was hit multiple times in the body and head.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, Sansaluna was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians. His relatives later claimed his remains and transported them to Barangay Simone, Old Kabacan, for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
Authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition from the crime scene.
Meanwhile, the suspect’s family disputed the allegations, claiming that Sansaluna was an innocent farmer visiting relatives in the area and might have been mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.
The incident is under investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and clarify the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. The Tugunan police assured the public that they are committed to ensuring a fair and thorough investigation.