MAMASAPANO, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur — A payong-payong (motorized tricycle) driver was killed in a shooting incident on Sunday, February 15, at the Philippine Trade area in this town, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Ustads Sahabudin, a resident of Barangay Kulalo, Mamasapano. Initial reports said he was driving his payong-payong when he was suddenly shot by an unidentified assailant in the vicinity of Philippine Trade, Mamasapano.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots, prompting nearby residents and vendors to seek cover. The victim sustained fatal injuries and was later declared dead.
Personnel from the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station immediately responded to the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation. Police investigators gathered ballistic evidence and interviewed possible witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the killing and the identity of the suspect. Police said they are considering all possible angles, including personal disputes and other criminal motives.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation and coordinating with community members to obtain information that may help identify the perpetrator,” a police official said.
Local authorities urged residents who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information to cooperate with investigators to help bring justice to the victim and ensure public safety.
The shooting adds to growing concerns over public security in the area, prompting renewed calls for stronger police presence and community vigilance in Mamasapano.