MIDSALIP, Zamboanga del Sur — Two farmers were killed in a brazen midday shooting incident in Barangay Pili, Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur, on June 16, prompting authorities to launch a hot pursuit operation against the unidentified gunmen who remain at large.
According to reports from the Midsalip Municipal Police Station (MPS), the attack occurred at approximately 12:40 p.m. in Purok 2, Barangay Pili. Police immediately responded after receiving information from a concerned citizen regarding the shooting.
The victims were identified as Reynaldo Mendoza, 32, married, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Pili, and Cotes Salibulan, 55, married, a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Pisompongan, both engaged in farming.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims were traveling aboard a Honda CRF 150 motorcycle from Barangay Pisompongan en route to Barangay Pili when they were allegedly ambushed by two unidentified suspects.
Witness accounts and police findings indicated that the suspects, described as wearing white shirts and armed with a caliber .45 pistol, suddenly opened fire on the victims multiple times upon reaching the area where the attack occurred.
Salibulan sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head, neck, and left leg, causing his immediate death at the scene. Mendoza, who suffered gunshot wounds to the right shoulder, forehead, and both cheeks, was rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment but was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Basmar L. Hasan.
Following the shooting, the suspects reportedly fled on foot toward Barangay Balunay, Midsalip.
Authorities have since intensified their manhunt operations and coordinated with neighboring police stations to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Crime scene investigators also conducted evidence collection and forensic processing as part of the ongoing investigation.
While police have yet to establish an official motive, relatives of the victims reportedly believe that robbery may have been behind the attack. Investigators are currently exploring all possible angles, including whether the victims were specifically targeted or if the incident was related to other criminal activities.
The Midsalip MPS said efforts are underway to gather additional witnesses and evidence that could lead to the identification of the assailants.
“The investigation remains active, and all available resources are being utilized to determine the motive and bring those responsible to justice,” police said.
The double killing has alarmed residents in the municipality, with community members calling for the swift arrest of the suspects and stronger security measures to prevent similar incidents.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the gunmen remain unknown. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that may help solve the case.