BANGA, South Cotabato — A 29-year-old man was seriously wounded after being shot multiple times by an unidentified assailant on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2026, in Purok Rizal, Barangay Lamba, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Junrel Agallas Paraico, also known as “Junjun,” a single resident of the area.
Initial investigation by the Banga Municipal Police Station revealed that Paraico was walking along the road at around 7:45 p.m. when the suspect suddenly opened fire, hitting him several times in different parts of the body. The attack appeared swift and deliberate, leaving the victim gravely injured.
Responding police officers rushed the victim to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention. Due to the severity of his gunshot wounds, Paraico was later transferred to a larger medical facility for more intensive treatment.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene and escaped in an undetermined direction. Authorities have yet to identify the gunman.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Laguitao said that follow-up operations are ongoing to track down the suspect. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the attack, which remains unclear as of this writing.
The incident has raised alarm within the local community, as authorities continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police are urging anyone with information that could help identify the suspect or shed light on the incident to come forward and cooperate with the investigation.