ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat — A man was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while eating pastil at a restaurant in the municipality of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
According to initial information from authorities, the victim was eating inside a local eatery in Poblacion, Esperanza when an armed suspect suddenly approached him. Without warning, the gunman opened fire several times, hitting the victim and causing fatal injuries.
The victim died at the scene as a result of the gunshot wounds.
After carrying out the attack, the suspect immediately fled in an undetermined direction, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt operation.
Police personnel quickly responded to the scene, secured the area, and began an investigation to determine the identities of both the victim and the gunman. As of this writing, authorities have yet to release further information regarding the victim’s identity and the motive behind the shooting.
Investigators are gathering evidence and interviewing possible witnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
The incident has raised concerns among residents as the attack occurred in a public place. Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest the suspect.
Police are also urging anyone with information that could help in the investigation to report it to the nearest police station.
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, and the case is currently being treated as a murder incident.