MATALAM, Cotabato — A 36-year-old man was shot dead while riding his motorcycle in Barangay Estado, Matalam, Cotabato, on Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, in what authorities described as a brazen roadside attack.
The victim was identified as Pedro Iglecia Rebuta Jr., also known as Pedro Rebuta Jr., a resident of Purok 4, Barangay Estado. He was a farmer and a truck driver by livelihood and lived with his partner, according to his family.
Initial police reports said the shooting occurred at around 10:30 a.m. in Purok 7B, Sitio Esmar, along a barangay road leading to Proper Estado. The victim was riding a white Yamaha XTZ motorcycle without a plate number when he was suddenly blocked by an unidentified assailant and shot several times.
Family members said Rebuta was on his way to his truck, which he used for work, when he was ambushed on the road.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal head injury, which caused his immediate death.
Responding personnel from the Matalam Municipal Police Station recovered from the crime scene one fired cartridge case and one fired slug, both believed to be from a 5.56-caliber firearm, indicating the possible use of a high-powered weapon.
Authorities have launched a full investigation to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the killing. Police are also reviewing possible personal, work-related, and criminal angles in connection with the incident.
“We are intensifying our investigation and pursuing all leads to bring the perpetrator to justice,” police officials said.
The incident has raised concerns among residents of Barangay Estado, who are calling for increased police presence and stronger security measures to prevent similar attacks.
As of this writing, no suspect has been arrested, and the case remains under active investigation.