DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 66-year-old foreman from Davao City was killed while his companion remains under medical observation following a brazen shooting incident in Barangay Poblacion Dalican on Wednesday afternoon, April 8.
Authorities identified the fatality as Martin Navarro Jr., a resident of Talomo, Davao City. His companion, Krisyl T. Franco, 34, a self-employed resident of Antipas, North Cotabato, sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment.
Initial police reports revealed that the victims were riding a “payong-payong” motorcycle and were traveling from the public market toward Barangay Nekitan when they were tailed by four armed suspects riding two separate motorcycles, described as a CRF 150 and an XR200.
At around 4:50 p.m., upon reaching a stretch near the Dinaig Hospital in Barangay Poblacion Dalican, the suspects suddenly opened fire, repeatedly shooting the victims at close range using a .45 caliber firearm.
Responders rushed Navarro and Franco to the Datu Odin Sinsuat District Hospital. However, Navarro was declared dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds. Franco, who was initially listed in critical condition, was later transferred to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) in Cotabato City for further medical care and remains under close observation.
Crime scene investigators recovered at least seven empty shells and two slugs believed to have been fired from a .45 caliber pistol, indicating the intensity of the attack.
The Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station has launched a full-scale investigation and manhunt operation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, who fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, but are exploring possible angles, including personal conflict and work-related disputes.
The incident adds to concerns over gun violence in parts of Maguindanao del Norte, prompting calls for heightened security measures and stricter law enforcement operations in vulnerable areas.