Maguindanao del Norte – A hot pursuit operation launched by the Datu Blah Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DBS MPS) led to the swift arrest of two suspects linked to a shooting incident that left a farmer wounded in Sitio Kaguco, Barangay Matuber, Datu Blah Sinsuat, on Friday night, August 15, 2025.
The victim was identified as Armando Maningula, 45, a married farmer and resident of the said sitio. According to police, Maningula was washing his feet outside his home at around 8:30 p.m. when armed assailants suddenly opened fire on him before fleeing in an unknown direction.
Fortunately, his wife quickly sought help from nearby residents, allowing police responders to arrive on scene after receiving a radio call about the shooting. Maningula, who sustained a gunshot wound in his leg, was immediately rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) where he is currently recovering.
Following an in-depth investigation and with the help of eyewitness accounts, authorities identified the suspects as alias “Daryl”, a resident of Sitio Kaguco, and his accomplice alias “Rolem”, from Sitio Tinindanan, Barangay Rempes, Upi, also in Maguindanao del Norte.
The next day, August 16, joint police operatives tracked down and arrested the two men in separate operations in their respective communities. Confiscated during the operation was a Brazons Custom .45 caliber pistol with a magazine and live ammunition, believed to have been used in the attack.
DBS Chief of Police PCpt Octavio Llenado Jr. confirmed that both suspects are now under police custody and are facing charges of Frustrated Murder.
Authorities are continuing their probe to determine the motive behind the shooting.