PIKIT, Cotabato — A 30-year-old man was shot dead in a brazen daylight attack at the public bus terminal in Barangay Poblacion, Pikit, on Monday morning, in yet another incident underscoring persistent security concerns in parts of Mindanao.
Authorities identified the victim as Yasser Asab Mayantong, also known as Nasser Asab, a resident of Barangay Manaulanan, Tugunan, Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Initial reports said the victim was waiting for a bus at the terminal, located near the public market, when two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle suddenly arrived and opened fire at around 8:15 a.m. The attackers fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the victim sprawled on the ground.
Mayantong sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the spot.
Witnesses recounted that the attack happened swiftly, causing panic among commuters and vendors in the busy terminal area. The location, typically crowded during morning hours, heightened fears among residents and travelers.
Local police have launched a manhunt operation against the suspects, who remain unidentified as of this writing. Investigators are also working to determine the motive behind the killing, including the possibility of personal grudges, criminal links, or other angles.
Authorities are currently gathering additional information, including reviewing potential witness statements and any available surveillance footage in the area that could help identify the perpetrators.
The incident adds to a growing number of shooting cases reported in parts of Mindanao in recent days, raising concerns over public safety, particularly in transport hubs and other high-traffic areas.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that may aid in the swift resolution of the case.