KIDAPAWAN CITY — A 43-year-old woman narrowly survived an attempted killing after she was shot while riding her motorcycle along Pendatun Street in Purok Tundan, Barangay Poblacion at around 9:00 a.m. on April 30, 2026.
The victim, identified by the Kidapawan City Police as Riza Gonzalez, a private hospital employee, sustained gunshot wounds to the chest with the bullet exiting through her right arm. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency medical treatment and remains under close observation.
Initial police investigation revealed that Gonzalez was driving her black Honda Beat motorcycle when a man riding a Rusi motorcycle suddenly appeared and opened fire without warning. The suspect reportedly attempted to fire a second shot, but his firearm malfunctioned, allowing the victim a chance to survive. The assailant then fled toward the diversion road.
In an interview conducted while the victim was being treated, she positively identified the suspect as Dennis Quinquiño Sanchez Jr., also known as “Jay-Ar,” 23, a resident of Barangay Indangan. According to Gonzalez, she recognized the suspect as the live-in partner of her niece, pointing investigators toward a possible personal motive behind the attack.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Argie Celeste confirmed that a spent shell from a .45 caliber pistol was recovered at the crime scene. Authorities are now pursuing an intensified hot pursuit and dragnet operation in coordination with nearby police units to locate and apprehend the suspect.
Investigators are currently looking into personal conflict as a potential motive in the attempted murder. Meanwhile, doctors continue to monitor Gonzalez’s condition as she recovers and prepares to file formal charges.
The Kidapawan City Police assured the public that updates will be released as soon as significant developments arise, particularly once the suspect is captured or additional evidence is secured.