SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 40-year-old woman was shot dead by an unidentified gunman outside the public market in Barangay Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday evening, June 3, adding to the growing list of gun-related violence incidents reported in the province and neighboring areas of the Bangsamoro region.
The victim was identified by the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station (SKMPS) as Sadia Talib Upam, 40, separated from her husband, self-employed, and a resident of Barangay Macaguiling in the same municipality. She was also reported to be a mother of four children.
Based on the initial police investigation, Upam was walking near the public market at around 5:40 p.m. when an unidentified suspect suddenly opened fire using what authorities believe was a handgun.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head and died instantly at the scene.
Police officers led by PLTCOL Esmael Madin immediately responded to the incident after receiving information about the shooting. Authorities arrived at the crime scene at approximately 5:45 p.m. and launched an investigation.
Investigators recovered one spent shell casing and one live round from the area, which are expected to serve as crucial pieces of evidence in the ongoing probe.
The gunman immediately fled after the attack and remains at large. Law enforcement authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect and determine the motive behind the killing.
According to the victim’s children, Upam was reportedly carrying approximately ₱200,000 at the time of the incident. The amount allegedly came from the sale of a house she had recently disposed of. Investigators are looking into whether the money may have been a factor in the attack, although authorities have yet to establish robbery as a motive.
The Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station has also sought the assistance of Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) personnel for a more thorough forensic examination of the crime scene.
As of this writing, police have not released an official statement identifying any suspects or confirming a motive behind the killing.
The fatal shooting has renewed concerns over the persistence of gun-related crimes in parts of Maguindanao del Norte and the wider Bangsamoro region, where authorities continue to confront incidents involving firearms despite ongoing efforts to strengthen public security and law enforcement.
Police urged anyone with information that could help identify the gunman to coordinate with authorities as the investigation continues.