A farmer was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in a brazen roadside attack in Sitio Cowboy, Barangay Pagatin 1, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Mohamad Alkastalani Abang, also known as “Jonathan,” a resident of Datu Piang. He was declared dead on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body.
According to a report from the Shariff Saydona Mustapha Municipal Police Station, authorities received a call from a concerned citizen at around 7:01 p.m. reporting the shooting incident. Joint elements of the police and troops from the Bravo Company of the 38th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army responded within seven minutes of receiving the report.
Initial investigation revealed that Abang was on his way home, riding his black Honda XRM motorcycle, when he was tailed by a gray minivan carrying unidentified armed suspects. Without warning, the assailants opened fire, hitting the victim multiple times and killing him instantly at the scene.
Police said the attackers immediately fled after the shooting, leaving no immediate trace of their identities.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, as investigators continue to examine possible angles, including personal grudges and other related factors. A hot pursuit operation has been launched in an effort to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were also called in to process the crime scene and gather forensic evidence that may aid in identifying the suspects.
The killing adds to a string of violent incidents reported in parts of Maguindanao del Sur, raising concerns over security, particularly in rural communities where farmers remain vulnerable to targeted attacks.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.