ZAMBOANGA CITY — A businessman from Zamboanga Sibugay was shot dead in a brazen ambush attack Wednesday afternoon, March 18, 2026, along the busy MCLL Highway in Barangay Manicahan, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Joel Evangelista, a native of Barangay Lower Tungawan, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay. He was driving a white pickup truck at the time of the attack, accompanied by his wife, Rowena Luna Evangelista, who survived but was left in severe emotional distress.
Ambush in broad daylight
Initial police reports revealed that the couple was traversing the highway when unidentified armed assailants, believed to be riding in tandem, suddenly opened fire on their vehicle. Investigators said the driver appeared to be the primary target of the attack.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing a series of gunshots, prompting panic among nearby motorists and residents. The suspects quickly fled the scene after the shooting.
Evangelista sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital. However, he was declared dead on arrival.
His wife, who was seated beside him during the attack, miraculously survived without physical injuries but reportedly suffered severe psychological trauma due to the incident.
Ongoing investigation, CCTV leads
Authorities from the Zamboanga City Police Office have launched a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects. Investigators are currently working to establish the motive behind the killing, which remains unclear as of this writing.
Police sources disclosed that the ambush may have been captured on nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, which are now being reviewed to identify the perpetrators and determine their escape route.
Community alarmed
The killing has raised concerns among residents and the local business community, particularly due to the brazenness of the attack carried out in broad daylight along a major highway.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as efforts intensify to bring the suspects to justice.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.