SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 26-year-old man from Cotabato City was shot dead in broad daylight after being ambushed by still unidentified assailants in Barangay Limbo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Wednesday afternoon.
Police identified the victim as Datu Amir Jihad Onotan Usop, a resident of Nayong Shariff, Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City.
Initial investigation revealed that the incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. when the victim, who was driving a Toyota Hilux pickup truck with plate number NBG 2388, was suddenly fired upon by gunmen while traversing the road in Barangay Limbo, particularly in the area of Datu Faisal.
Residents nearby rushed to aid Usop, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
Responding authorities from the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station (SKMPS) recovered 17 spent shell casings of an undetermined firearm caliber at the scene.
Police investigators are now conducting a thorough probe to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether the shooting was politically motivated, personal in nature, or connected to any local disputes.
Law enforcement officials have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.