A 19-year-old man was wounded after he was allegedly shot by the former husband of his girlfriend in a violent incident believed to have been triggered by jealousy in Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, police said.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Karim,” a resident of Pikit, North Cotabato, sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body during the attack that occurred at around 3:30 p.m. on June 19, 2026. Despite his injuries, he survived the shooting and is currently in stable condition after receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
According to the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station, authorities received information about the incident from a concerned citizen, prompting an immediate response from police personnel, local government officials, and military troops to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.
Police reports revealed that Karim was riding a motorcycle with his girlfriend when they were allegedly pursued by the suspect, identified by the alias “Abdul,” an adult resident of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. Investigators said Abdul is the former husband of the woman who is currently in a relationship with the victim.
Based on the initial findings, the suspect reportedly tailed the couple from Barangay Damabalas toward the poblacion area before opening fire on Karim. The shooting left the victim with several gunshot wounds.
Despite being hit, Karim reportedly managed to flee from the scene and sought help from residents in the poblacion area. He was later rushed to a hospital where he received emergency medical treatment.
Authorities noted that the victim’s girlfriend, who was reportedly left behind at the scene of the shooting, was no longer present when responding personnel arrived.
Investigators are looking into jealousy as a possible motive behind the attack. Police disclosed that the suspect and the woman had previously been in a relationship and were reportedly married. However, authorities are still verifying whether the two had been legally separated at the time of the incident.
Further investigation also revealed that the victim and the woman allegedly met through Facebook before eventually becoming romantically involved.
The suspect fled immediately after the shooting and remains at large. Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest him.
Authorities are also preparing the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the suspect as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Datu Piang Municipal Police Station assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and that all efforts are being exerted to bring the suspect to justice.