NORTHERN KABUNTALAN, Maguindanao del Norte — A payong-payong (motorized tricycle) driver was shot dead in broad daylight on Thursday, January 29, 2026, along a roadside leading to Barangay Damatog, once again raising concerns over public safety in the area.
Police identified the victim as Hamsa Kaolak, 41, married, and a resident of Barangay Damatog. Initial reports indicated that the victim was repeatedly shot by still unidentified assailants at around 3:00 p.m. while traveling along the road heading toward Damatog.
Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Datu Ramil Umbra Dilangalen immediately went to the crime scene upon learning of the incident and assisted in coordinating the emergency response. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing. Police are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish whether the attack was targeted or connected to other recent violent incidents in the municipality.
The fatal shooting adds to the growing list of shooting incidents in parts of Maguindanao del Norte, prompting renewed calls from residents for stronger security measures and swift justice.
Police urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and cooperate with authorities.