MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — One of the two suspects in the fatal shooting and robbery of a motorcycle rider in the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Upi has been killed in a police operation, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Police identified the slain suspect only by his alias “Ariel.” He was killed during a joint law enforcement operation conducted on the evening of February 16 in Barangay Mirab, Upi, following days of pursuit after the deadly attack.
Joint Police Operation
According to information released through a Facebook Live broadcast by Vice Mayor Bobsteel Sinsuat, operatives from the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station and the Upi Municipal Police Station launched a coordinated operation after tracking down the suspects’ hideout.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly opened fire at arresting officers, prompting them to respond. The exchange resulted in his death.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
Link to February 14 Shooting
Police confirmed that the slain suspect was the same gunman who shot and robbed a motorist in a riding-in-tandem attack on February 14 in Barangay Margues, Datu Odin Sinsuat.
The victim was later identified as Datu Wel Diocolano, a 33-year-old resident and the son of a barangay councilor.
Based on earlier police reports, Diocolano was riding his blue Yamaha NMAX motorcycle when two armed men tailed him and suddenly opened fire, hitting him several times in the back. He lost control of his motorcycle and fell to the ground.
One of the suspects then seized the motorcycle before fleeing with his companion.
Investigators recovered several empty shells believed to have come from a .45-caliber pistol, indicating the weapon used in the attack. The victim sustained at least four gunshot wounds and remains under close medical observation.
Police: Suspect Was Main Gunman
In its latest report, police said the suspect killed in the operation was the principal shooter in the February 14 attack.
“This suspect was positively identified as the one who fired the shots that critically wounded the victim and took his motorcycle,” police officials said.
Authorities added that the successful operation was the result of intelligence gathering, coordination with local officials, and information from concerned residents.
Manhunt Continues for Remaining Suspect
Meanwhile, the second suspect managed to escape during the operation and remains at large.
Police have intensified their manhunt and urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest.
“We are continuing our pursuit of the remaining suspect to ensure justice for the victim and restore peace in the community,” police said.
Calls for Stronger Security
Local leaders renewed calls for tighter security and increased police visibility along major highways and interior roads in the municipality, following the incident.
The case has heightened concerns over the safety of motorists in the area, especially amid reports of rising motorcycle-related crimes.
Authorities assured the public that operations against criminal groups will continue and that those responsible for violent crimes will be held accountable under the law.