SURALLAH, South Cotabato — A retired police officer is now in custody after allegedly shooting dead a farmer during a violent confrontation in Purok Sampaguita, Barangay Moloy, Surallah, South Cotabato on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The incident also left the suspect and his son wounded in a retaliatory knife attack, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Angel Baleña Solomon, 42, single, a farmer and resident of Purok Sampaguita, Brgy. Moloy. He was declared dead on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds.
According to the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (PPO), at around 12:35 p.m., a 67-year-old retired policeman and his son, both bloodied and injured, appeared at the Surallah Municipal Police Station (MPS) to surrender a homemade caliber .45 pistol and a bolo. The two were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
However, at around 1:00 p.m., Surallah MPS received a call from a concerned citizen reporting a shooting incident in Purok Sampaguita. Responding officers and investigators rushed to the scene and found Solomon lifeless.
Initial police investigation revealed that a heated confrontation erupted between the victim and the retired policeman prior to the shooting. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly shot Solomon, while a certain alias “Dolpo” reportedly stabbed the retired policeman and his son in retaliation.
At around 2:00 p.m., alias “Dolpo” voluntarily surrendered to the Surallah police.
Investigators disclosed that the bolo and homemade firearm surrendered by the suspects were allegedly owned by the victim, Angel Solomon, raising questions about how the weapons were used and by whom during the violent encounter.
Both the wounded retired policeman and his son remain under medical care, while alias “Dolpo” is now in police custody. Authorities are preparing appropriate criminal charges as the investigation continues to establish the full sequence of events and determine individual liabilities.
The Surallah Municipal Police Station said they are also looking into the motive behind the confrontation, as residents disclosed that the victim allegedly had existing conflicts prior to the fatal incident.
Police have assured the public that no one is above the law, and that the case will be pursued with full force to ensure justice for the victim.