LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat — A 43-year-old man was killed after being repeatedly shot by an unidentified gunman in a broad daylight attack on Tuesday afternoon, June 16, 2026, in Sitio Masurot, Barangay Aurelio F. Freires Sr. (formerly Poblacion 2), Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.
The victim was identified by authorities as Christopher Velarde Aquino, 43, married, and a resident of Barangay Pasandalan, Lebak.
According to the initial police investigation, Aquino was in the area at around 4:20 p.m. when an unidentified suspect suddenly opened fire on him several times. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing a series of gunshots before seeing the victim collapse. The assailant reportedly fled immediately after the attack and escaped toward an unknown direction, prompting authorities to launch a pursuit operation.
Police personnel and investigators quickly responded to the scene to secure the area and conduct a thorough crime scene examination. During the investigation, authorities recovered four spent shell casings from a .45-caliber firearm, which are now being subjected to forensic examination as part of the ongoing case buildup.
Investigators have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, and authorities are currently exploring several angles, including possible personal grudges, business disputes, or other factors that may have led to the fatal attack.
The incident has raised concerns among residents of the community, as the shooting occurred in broad daylight and in a populated area. Local authorities assured the public that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible.
Police units in neighboring municipalities and nearby checkpoints have been alerted as part of the intensified hot pursuit operation. Authorities are also reviewing available evidence and gathering testimonies from potential witnesses who may have seen the gunman before, during, or after the attack.
The victim’s family is now seeking justice as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting.
Meanwhile, the police urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspect or shed light on the incident to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station. Authorities emphasized that community cooperation remains crucial in solving the case and bringing the perpetrator to justice.
The investigation remains ongoing.