LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur — Two men were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire inside a mosque in Purok Malipayon, Barangay Upper Sang-an, Labangan town on Tuesday evening, May 26, authorities said.
The brutal shooting incident happened at around 7:18 p.m. to 7:27 p.m. while the victims were reportedly praying inside the masjid.
The fatalities were identified only through aliases as “Joel,” 41, a businessman, and “Madi,” 65, both residents of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
Based on the initial investigation of the police, four unidentified armed men suddenly arrived aboard a black Toyota Vios before entering the mosque and firing multiple shots at the victims using both short and long firearms.
After carrying out the attack, the suspects immediately fled toward the direction of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
Responding personnel from the Labangan Municipal Police Station rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the incident and immediately launched an investigation.
Authorities recovered several spent shell casings believed to have come from both high-powered and low-caliber firearms, along with bloodstains inside the mosque.
Investigators said alias “Joel” sustained a gunshot wound at the back portion of his body, while alias “Madi” suffered at least seven gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
The victims were rushed to a hospital in Pagadian City for emergency treatment but were later declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police have yet to determine the motive behind the attack as follow-up investigations continue.
The Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office strongly condemned the violent incident and assured the public that intensified operations are already underway to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Authorities also launched dragnet and hot pursuit operations in coordination with neighboring police stations to track down the fleeing suspects.
Police appealed to the public to cooperate and immediately report any information that may help in solving the case and bringing the assailants to justice.
The incident has raised concern among residents after the attack occurred inside a place of worship, a setting traditionally regarded as a sanctuary of peace and safety.