MATANOG, Maguindanao del Norte — A payong-payong driver was killed while his companion narrowly escaped death after being shot by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Bugasan Norte, Matanog, around 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Police identified the fatality as Pao Adam, a resident of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. His companion, Pangalian Casim Bara, managed to flee and survive the attack.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victims were riding a payong-payong (motorized tricycle) from Barangay Gadungan, Parang, and were en route to Barangay Poblacion 1 when they were stopped by several armed men at the Barira–Parang junction.
The suspects allegedly forced the victims to proceed toward Matanog. Upon reaching a portion of Barangay Bugasan Norte, the gunmen shot Adam at close range, hitting him in the head and killing him instantly. Bara was able to escape amid the commotion.
After the shooting, the suspects immediately fled the area. Police have yet to determine the direction of their escape.
Authorities from the Matanog Municipal Police Station have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down and identify the perpetrators. Investigators are also conducting a deeper probe to establish the motive behind the killing.
Adam’s remains have been turned over to his family in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.