Cotabato City – A suspected riding-in-tandem gunman was killed while his companion surrendered following a shootout with government forces along Doña Blanca Street, Barangay Poblacion 4, Cotabato City, on the evening of June 18, 2025.
According to police and military reports, the suspects were on board a black NMAX motorcycle when they were intercepted by responding units from the Philippine Marines and Philippine National Police (PNP). The operatives were reacting to an earlier shooting incident in the nearby Doña Pilar Street, where three individuals were wounded.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims—identified as Abdulhaq Umal, Niño Limare Galimba, and Homidie Saptula Salipudin—were along the roadside when they were approached by the suspects. The back-rider allegedly pulled a firearm and opened fire, hitting Abdulhaq and Niño. The driver, Homidie, was also injured during the exchange, though his exact involvement in the initial shooting remains under investigation.
The suspects attempted to flee the scene but ran into a group of Marines who had responded after hearing the gunfire. Instead of surrendering, the back-rider reportedly tried to draw his firearm again, prompting authorities to shoot him. He was hit in the head and died on the spot. His identity is still being verified. Meanwhile, the driver surrendered without resistance and was immediately taken into custody.
All three injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment. Barangay Poblacion 4 Chairperson Ragina Ayunan confirmed that Abdulhaq and Niño were barangay tanods (village watchmen) who had previously received death threats, indicating the attack may have been premeditated.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify the deceased gunman.