DINAS, Zamboanga del Sur — A suspected gunman was killed while two men were wounded after a group of armed assailants ambushed a vehicle in Purok Banagan, Barangay Benuatan at around 12:50 p.m. on Friday, November 21.
Police identified the wounded victims as a 33-year-old man and a 38-year-old Ustadz, both residents of Dinas. Two other passengers—a 61-year-old man and a barangay councilor of Benuatan—escaped unharmed.
According to initial reports, three suspects believed to be from Dinas opened fire on the victims’ metallic gray Toyota using long firearms. The victims were traveling along the highway when the suspects suddenly attacked.
One of the passengers managed to return fire, hitting one of the assailants. The wounded suspect was rushed to the Chavez Medical Clinic but was declared dead on arrival. His two companions fled the scene and are now the subjects of a police manhunt.
Responding officers immediately brought the injured victims to the hospital for treatment, while the crime scene was secured for investigation.
Based on early findings, investigators are looking at personal conflict as a possible motive behind the attack, though authorities have yet to determine the full circumstances leading to the ambush.
The Dinas Municipal Police Station, in coordination with other law enforcement units, continues to pursue the two at-large suspects and is conducting a deeper probe into the incident.
Authorities are urging residents to report any information that may help locate the fleeing gunmen.