SIBUCO, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — A senior commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, in an ambush staged by unidentified suspects riding in tandem in Barangay Cusipan.
Photos courtesy of Burton Caril
The victim was identified as Asbirin Naing Kahaluddin, 68, a known MNLF chairman from Snake Camp Nuran in Barangay Panganuran, Sibuco. He was reportedly driving his bitso-bitso (a small multicab-type vehicle) with his wife when the attack occurred around 2:30 PM.
According to Police Major Haran U. Ulah, chief of the Sibuco Municipal Police Station, initial investigation revealed that Kahaluddin had stopped his vehicle when two motorcycle-riding men approached. One of them fired a shot that struck Kahaluddin in the head, causing his instant death. His wife, who was in the vehicle with him, was unharmed.
Responding police officers found Kahaluddin lifeless on the roadside. Law enforcement units immediately alerted neighboring police stations and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) in an attempt to intercept the fleeing suspects. However, the gunmen managed to escape.
The Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office (ZNPPO) confirmed the incident and has since launched an in-depth investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.
In a statement, ZNPPO appealed to the public—particularly residents of Barangay Cusipan and nearby areas—to report any information that may help resolve the case swiftly. Authorities have yet to determine the type of firearm used in the killing.
As of this writing, no suspects have been arrested and the motive remains unclear. Police operations and intelligence gathering are ongoing.