TUKURAN, Zamboanga del Sur — A 38-year-old public school teacher narrowly escaped death after he was shot by an unidentified assailant in what police believe was a failed robbery attempt late Friday night, January 17, 2026, in Barangay Sambulawan, this town.
According to the Tukuran Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victim—identified only as “Ralp”—had just officiated a soccer match in the nearby municipality of Midsalip and was on his way home when the incident occurred at around 8:30 p.m.
Initial investigation revealed that the teacher was traveling along a shortcut route passing through Sominot when he noticed a black Mio single motorcycle tailing him. Moments later, the rider allegedly ordered the victim to stop. When the teacher refused and continued driving, the suspect opened fire, hitting him in the left leg.
The assailant immediately fled toward Midsalip, leaving the wounded victim behind. Despite his injury, the teacher survived the attack and was rushed to Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center in Barangay Dao, Pagadian City, where he is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Responding officers recovered two fired cartridge cases of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene, indicating the seriousness of the attack.
The Tukuran MPS swiftly launched a dragnet operation and coordinated with neighboring police stations in an effort to identify and arrest the suspect. Authorities said the circumstances point to robbery as the possible motive, though other angles are still being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have urged residents, especially motorists traveling at night, to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activity. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue efforts to track down the suspect.