BASILAN — A Philippine Army soldier has died while another remains wounded after a brazen daylight shooting by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan, authorities confirmed.
Private First Class Mark Anthony Libo-On, 23, a member of Bravo Company, 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) under the 1st Infantry Division, succumbed to a gunshot wound to the side of his head while undergoing treatment at a hospital. His companion, PFC Jomare Sadjail, was injured and is receiving medical care.
Police and military reports said the two soldiers were off-duty and buying food supplies at a roadside sari-sari store in Sitio Crossing Baguindan at around 5:28 p.m. on Monday, January 26, when two armed men riding a motorcycle suddenly opened fire. The assailants fled immediately after the attack, reportedly heading toward the mountainous interior of the barangay.
Crime scene investigators recovered .45 caliber cartridge casings at the site, indicating the use of a high-caliber handgun. Investigators said one of the victims was struck near the eye, while the other sustained gunshot wounds to different parts of the body.
Responding units from the Tipo-Tipo Municipal Police Station arrived within minutes, while troops of the 45IB launched hot pursuit operations. Dragnet operations were also activated in coordination with neighboring police units, as security was tightened across the municipality.
PFC Libo-On, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Arakan, North Cotabato, is survived by his wife and young daughter. His death has cast a pall over the community and renewed concerns over the safety of security forces even outside combat operations.
Authorities said they are pursuing all possible angles, including insurgency-related activity and other criminal motives, as they work to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Brigadier General Frederick Sales, commander of the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade, condemned the attack, calling it an assault on peace and stability in Basilan.
“Our troops serve to protect the people and uphold security. This cowardly attack will not go unanswered,” Sales said, assuring the public of intensified operations in close coordination with the Philippine National Police and local leaders.
Police urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any information that could help bring the gunmen to justice as the investigation continues.