MARAMAG, Bukidnon — A 56-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in a brazen daylight attack while riding his motorcycle in a remote village in Maramag town on Wednesday morning, March 18, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Medel Salicubay, a married resident of Sitio Alig, Barangay Dagumbaan.
Initial police reports revealed that the incident occurred between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in Sitio Codcod (also referred to as Cudcud), a far-flung area approximately 35 kilometers from the Maramag Municipal Police Station.
According to investigators, Salicubay was on his way home, driving his motorcycle, when he was suddenly shot by an unidentified suspect. The attacker immediately fled the scene in an unknown direction after the shooting.
Authorities were alerted to the incident at around 11:00 a.m. after Barangay Dagumbaan Kagawad Nelson Villarin reported the killing to the police.
Responding officers found the victim lying lifeless on the ground beside his motorcycle, bearing multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene.
Police noted that the area where the attack occurred has limited cellphone signal, which may have delayed the reporting of the incident and could pose challenges in the ongoing investigation.
The Maramag Municipal Police Station has launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspect. Investigators are also working to determine the motive behind the killing, including whether the attack was a targeted ambush.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to establish the identity of the gunman or confirm any leads.
The fatal shooting adds to the growing concern over gun-related violence in remote communities, where limited access and communication gaps often hinder swift law enforcement response.