DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao del Sur — A man was shot dead in a brutal attack late Sunday night, February 8, 2026, in Barangay Sepaka, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur.
The victim was identified by the Datu Paglas Municipal Police Station as Benjie Olinares, of legal age, and a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.
According to police reports, the incident occurred shortly after 10:00 p.m. while Olinares was riding his motorcycle with an unidentified companion. Upon reaching a portion of Barangay Sepaka, he was suddenly ambushed and repeatedly shot by still unidentified assailants.
Investigators said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and other parts of his body, believed to have been caused by a caliber .45 pistol. He was hit by approximately five to six bullets, resulting in his instantaneous death.
After the shooting, the suspects reportedly fled the scene using Olinares’ motorcycle and escaped toward an unknown direction. Authorities have launched a manhunt operation and are continuing their investigation to identify and arrest those responsible.
Police are also looking into the possibility that individuals who were last seen with the victim before the incident may have relevant information that could help solve the case.
Family, Friends Cry for Justice
The family and relatives of Olinares are now appealing for justice, expressing deep anguish over what they described as a senseless and merciless killing.
In several social media posts, his loved ones and friends called on local officials and law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are crying and seeking justice for you,” one post read. “You were taken from us too soon.”
Olinares was known in his community as an active member of the Gamma Kappa Rho Fraternity, particularly under the USM Commandery and Columbio Chapter. He was also involved in outreach programs and community activities, according to his fraternity brothers.
Friends remembered him as a dedicated and compassionate individual who regularly participated in charitable work and fraternity events.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, including whether robbery, personal conflict, or other factors played a role in the crime. The recovery of the victim’s motorcycle by the suspects has raised the possibility of robbery-related violence, but police stressed that all angles are being considered.
The Datu Paglas police urged anyone with information about the incident to cooperate with authorities to help speed up the investigation.
“This crime will not go unanswered,” police said in a statement. “We are committed to identifying and holding accountable those responsible.”
As of this writing, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, the bereaved family continues to appeal for justice, hoping that those behind the killing of Benjie Olinares will soon be brought before the law.