PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte – A 31-year-old woman was gunned down in broad daylight along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion 1 on Friday afternoon, September 5.
Police identified the victim as Cristal Diane Guatno Lucino, a vendor and resident of Sitio Cuba, Barangay Sagasab, Parang.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred at around 4:53 p.m. while Lucino was walking along the highway when an unidentified suspect suddenly appeared and opened fire. Witnesses said the assailant fired multiple shots, hitting the victim in different parts of her body, causing her instant death.
PNP-BARMM spokesperson Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura confirmed the shooting and said investigators are still determining the type of firearm used in the attack. Authorities recovered several spent shells at the crime scene.
Local officials strongly condemned the killing and called on the public to cooperate with investigators. “This senseless act of violence must not be tolerated. We urge everyone who may have information to come forward and help in identifying the suspect,” one official said.
Police are conducting a hot pursuit operation against the gunman as the investigation continues to establish the motive behind the crime.