LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — A fish vendor was shot dead in broad daylight in Barangay New Cebu, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, on Monday afternoon in what police believe to be a case of robbery.
The victim, identified as Bapa Masla, a resident of Barangay Tugal, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, was found sprawled on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. Bystanders immediately rushed him to the nearest hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Initial police investigation revealed that Masla was riding his motorcycle to sell fish when unidentified gunmen ambushed and shot him several times before fleeing the scene.
Authorities noted that the victim’s cash earnings and personal belongings were missing, leading investigators to suspect robbery as the primary motive.
Police in Lambayong are pursuing further investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The brutal killing has sparked fear among local residents, particularly among small vendors who regularly travel across town to sell their goods.