TULUNAN, North Cotabato — A father was shot dead while his son, believed to be the intended target, narrowly survived a gun attack in Barangay New Culasi on Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026. Police swiftly launched a manhunt operation that led to the arrest of the suspect hours after the incident.
Authorities identified the fatality as Peter Salya, a father who was riding a motorcycle with his son when they were attacked. The suspect was identified by police as Hernane Dionecio Jr., also known as alias “Nane.”
According to Tulunan Municipal Police Station (MPS) chief PMaj. Rolando Dillera Jr., initial investigation revealed that the gunman opened fire on the victims at around 5:50 p.m. in Purok 2, Barangay New Culasi. The victims were reportedly shot from behind while traveling on a motorcycle.
Police said the suspect’s apparent target was Salya’s son, who managed to escape during the attack. However, the elder Salya was left behind. Investigators said the suspect allegedly returned to the scene and shot the father at close range, resulting in his death.
The surviving victim sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. His condition has not yet been disclosed.
Responding police officers, led by Dillera, conducted a hot pursuit operation following the shooting. With the assistance of barangay officials, authorities were able to track down and arrest the suspect shortly after the incident.
“The swift coordination between our operatives and local officials led to the immediate arrest of the suspect,” police said in a statement.
The firearm used in the attack has yet to be identified, and investigators are still working to establish the motive behind the shooting, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged targeting of the victim’s son.
The suspect is currently under the custody of the Tulunan MPS while charges are being prepared against him.
Police assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing to ensure justice for the victims and to determine whether other individuals may have been involved in the crime.