A tractor driver was shot dead while working in a farming area in Barangay Kaya-Kaya, in the municipality of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur, on the afternoon of February 26, 2026—an incident that underscores continuing violence in parts of the province even during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
Authorities identified the victim as Dong Kunto, a local tractor driver who was reportedly tending to his work in the area when an unidentified assailant suddenly opened fire. Initial police information indicated that Kunto was caught off guard while operating or attending to the tractor at the time of the attack.
Responding police officers and investigators said the suspect immediately fled after the shooting, leaving the victim fatally wounded. Residents in the area were alarmed by the gunfire, which occurred in broad daylight in a farming community where many were engaged in their daily livelihood activities.
According to initial findings, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing. Investigators are currently gathering statements from possible witnesses and examining available leads that could identify the perpetrator or perpetrators behind the attack.
Police said follow-up operations are ongoing to track down those responsible for the crime. They also urged anyone with information that may help solve the case to coordinate with the nearest police station.
The killing has raised renewed concern among residents and local observers as violent incidents continue to occur in some communities in Maguindanao del Sur despite the observance of Ramadan—a period that is traditionally marked by reflection, restraint, and peace among Muslim communities.
Community members expressed alarm over the attack, noting that the victim was reportedly working and unarmed when he was gunned down. For many locals, the incident highlights the lingering security challenges faced by rural areas where farmers and workers often carry out their livelihood in open fields with limited protection.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to look into possible angles behind the attack, including personal disputes, local conflicts, or other motives that may have led to the fatal shooting.
Meanwhile, calls are growing for strengthened security and vigilance in vulnerable communities across the province to prevent similar incidents, particularly during a period that holds deep religious significance for many residents.