PIKIT, Cotabato — A habal-habal driver was shot dead on the spot while his wife was injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire inside the Pikit Public Market on Wednesday morning, March 25, 2026, in a brazen attack that sent vendors and shoppers fleeing in panic.
The victim was identified as Mamadido B. Abdul, a resident of Barangay Kabalasan. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest, resulting in his immediate death, according to PLTC. Benhur Catcatan.
Initial investigation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that the assailants appeared to have specifically targeted Abdul, strengthening the angle of a possible personal grudge as the motive behind the killing.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. while the victim and his wife were having a meal at a carinderia inside the busy public market. Witnesses said the suspects suddenly entered the area and fired at close range, triggering chaos as bystanders scrambled for safety.
Abdul’s wife, who was with him during the attack, was hit and sustained injuries. She was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment. Authorities have yet to disclose her condition.
The shooting shattered what had been a typical bustling market morning, leaving traders and customers in shock. The market, usually filled with routine commerce and daily interactions, quickly turned into a crime scene marked by fear and confusion.
Police authorities have launched a manhunt operation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, who managed to escape after the attack. Investigators are also working to gather witness statements and review possible evidence that could lead to the suspects.
As of this writing, authorities are continuing their probe to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including confirming the exact motive and whether the killing is linked to previous disputes or other criminal activities.
The latest shooting underscores persistent security concerns in parts of Cotabato, particularly in public areas where civilians are most vulnerable, raising renewed calls for tighter law enforcement visibility and preventive measures in crowded spaces.