PAGALUNGAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A 21-year-old man is currently in critical condition after he was shot by an unidentified gunman in Barangay Poblacion, Pagalungan, at around 2:55 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
The Pagalungan Municipal Police Station identified the victim as Erick Maniling Kaminto, a resident of the same barangay. Kaminto was riding a modified black Rusi 125 motorcycle when the attacker opened fire and quickly fled on a motorcycle without a license plate.
Initial investigation reveals that the victim sustained three to four gunshot wounds, including multiple shots to the abdomen and one to the leg. Authorities believe the suspect used a caliber .45 pistol during the attack.
The shooting occurred in front of the residence of Barangay Captain Datu Toto Matalam, according to responding officers.
Police immediately rushed Kaminto to a nearby medical facility where he is now receiving treatment for his injuries.
As investigators work to determine the motive behind the attack, law enforcement has already launched a hot pursuit operation led by the Pagalungan PNP, supported by the 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) of the Philippine Army and the Provincial Force Company, to track down the gunman.
Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and coordinate with the police to hasten the arrest of the suspect.
The incident adds to the growing list of violent cases recorded in the area as investigators continue efforts to identify those responsible and uncover the motive behind the shooting.