KABACAN, Cotabato (March 18, 2026) — A 66-year-old retired public school teacher was shot dead in a brazen daytime attack while waiting at a carwash station in Poblacion, sending shockwaves through the local community.
The victim, identified as Salina Timpulok Genso, a resident of Plang Village 2, Poblacion, Kabacan, was attacked at around 3:20 p.m. along Abellera Street.
According to initial police reports, Genso was calmly waiting for her vehicle to be cleaned when armed men riding a Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle suddenly arrived and opened fire on her at close range. Witnesses said the suspects fled immediately after the shooting, speeding away from the scene before authorities could respond.
Genso sustained at least three gunshot wounds to different parts of her body. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save her life, but was later declared dead due to the severity of her injuries.
Police investigators from the Kabacan Municipal Police Station have launched a manhunt operation for the assailants, who remain at large as of this writing.
Authorities said they are currently looking into a possible land dispute as a motive behind the killing, based on initial information gathered from both investigators and the victim’s family. However, officials emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and no definitive conclusions have been made.
“This was a calculated attack carried out in broad daylight. We are pursuing all leads to identify and arrest those responsible,” a police official said.
The killing has raised concerns over public safety and the persistence of gun violence in parts of Cotabato, particularly as the attack occurred in a populated area during daytime hours.
Residents expressed fear and outrage over the incident, calling for swift justice for Genso, who was described by neighbors as a quiet and respected educator who had spent years serving the community.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.
As of now, police continue to gather evidence, review possible CCTV footage in the area, and coordinate with other law enforcement units to track down the perpetrators.