CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO (July 30, 2025) — A father and his son were killed after being shot by an unidentified gunman late Wednesday morning at the public market in Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, North Cotabato.
The victims were identified as Taher T. Kendong, 45 years old, married, a farmer, and his son Mujahed Tayag Kendong, 22 years old, single. Both were residents of Sitio Kumutan, Barangay Simone, Kabacan, part of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The shooting occurred around 11:40 a.m. in Purok 8 of the public market, near the ukay-ukay (secondhand clothes) stalls. Based on the initial police investigation, the two victims were standing by the roadside when a still unidentified suspect suddenly appeared and shot them multiple times using a .45 caliber pistol.
The father and son sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of their bodies and died on the spot.
Responding authorities recovered eight (8) spent shells and three (3) deformed bullets from a .45 caliber firearm at the crime scene.
The victims were brought to Carmen Municipal Hospital, but the family declined a post-mortem examination in adherence to Islamic customs and traditions.
Authorities are eyeing personal conflict as a possible motive behind the attack.
Meanwhile, the Carmen Municipal Police Station has launched a hot pursuit operation and set up checkpoints to track down the suspect. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage in and around the market area to help identify and apprehend the gunman.
The brutal daytime shooting has alarmed both residents and local officials, prompting renewed calls for heightened security in public spaces, particularly in busy transport and market areas.