DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) is fighting for his life in the hospital after he was shot by an unidentified assailant in Sitio Daubab, Barangay Tamontaka, Datu Odin Sinsuat, at around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15.
The victim was identified by the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station (DOS MPS) as Kadil Abusama Abas, a married resident of the area.
Based on police investigation, Abas was on his way home aboard his tricycle when he was suddenly attacked and shot multiple times by an unknown suspect. The assailant immediately fled the scene after the shooting.
A concerned citizen alerted authorities, prompting the DOS MPS to rush to the area. Abas sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately brought to the hospital, where he is currently confined and under close medical observation.
Investigators recovered 11 fired cartridge cases and three deformed slugs from the crime scene. These have been submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit–BARMM (RFU-BAR) for ballistic and cross-matching examination to determine the type of firearm used and help identify the suspect.
Barangay Tamontaka Chairperson Bai Ivie Rose Sinsuat strongly condemned the attack and called for justice, urging authorities to act swiftly to arrest the perpetrator and ensure the safety of barangay peacekeeping personnel.
Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from Barangay Tamontaka as part of their investigation.
The DOS MPS said follow-up operations are ongoing to identify the suspect and establish the motive behind the attack.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could help solve the case, assuring confidentiality to witnesses.