A vendor was killed while his companion was injured after unidentified armed men opened fire on their tricycle along the Davao-Cotabato National Highway in Barangay Gang, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte before dawn on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Authorities identified the fatality as Emran Manial, a resident of Barangay Macaguiling in the same municipality. His companion, Jehan Manibpel, who is also from Barangay Macaguiling, sustained injuries in the attack but survived after being rushed to the hospital.
Initial police investigation revealed that the two victims were on their way to Cotabato City to buy goods for vending when they were allegedly approached by two armed men riding a motorcycle. The suspects reportedly tailed the victims before suddenly opening fire while they were traveling aboard a tricycle along the national highway.
Both victims were immediately brought to a hospital for treatment, but Manial was declared dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds. Manibpel remains under medical care and is now recovering from injuries sustained in the attack.
During the crime scene investigation, authorities recovered eight empty shells believed to have been fired from a caliber .45 pistol.
Police have yet to determine the motive behind the ambush and are continuing efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators. Investigators are also looking into possible angles behind the killing as part of the ongoing probe.