MAHAYAG, Zamboanga del Sur — A 43-year-old woman who was allegedly shot by her live-in partner, a barangay kagawad, during a shooting incident inside their residence in Purok 1, Barangay Boniao, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur, has died from her injuries, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Eve Artiaga, who sustained a gunshot wound to the right cheek during the incident that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026.
According to the Mahayag Municipal Police Station (MPS), police received a report at around 3:20 a.m. from Barangay Boniao Chairwoman Erlinda Tapere regarding the shooting. Responding officers proceeded to the Mahayag Municipal Hospital, where both Artiaga and the 52-year-old barangay kagawad Johnie Matunhay Sr. had been brought for emergency medical treatment.
Due to the severity of their injuries, both were later transferred to a hospital in Ozamiz City. However, Artiaga later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.
The barangay kagawad, who also sustained a gunshot wound to the forehead, remains under medical care. Authorities have not released an update on his condition.
Police investigation
Based on the initial police investigation, Matunhay allegedly shot Artiaga using a caliber .45 pistol before allegedly turning the firearm on himself.
Investigators said the couple had been living together as live-in partners since 2024.
Police said that at approximately 3:15 a.m., the suspect’s son heard several successive gunshots coming from the couple’s bedroom. After receiving no response from his father despite repeatedly calling out, he forced the bedroom door open.
Inside, he reportedly found his father sitting on the floor while holding a firearm, while Artiaga was lying on the floor with a gunshot wound. Both were immediately rushed to the hospital with the help of concerned neighbors.
Jealousy being looked into as possible motive
While police have yet to officially establish the motive behind the shooting, close relatives of the couple told investigators and local sources that jealousy may have triggered the incident. Authorities emphasized that this information is still being verified as part of the ongoing investigation and has not yet been officially confirmed by the police.
Investigators continue to examine all possible angles and are interviewing witnesses to determine what transpired before the shooting.
Firearm recovered
Crime scene investigators recovered a caliber .45 MI911 pistol, two magazines loaded with a total of 11 live rounds, and two fired cartridge cases from the scene.
The recovered firearm and other pieces of evidence have been submitted to the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.
Police said the case investigator is preparing the necessary documents for the filing of the appropriate criminal charges against the barangay kagawad, subject to the results of the investigation and his medical condition.
Authorities urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation remains ongoing.
Editor’s Note: Reports involving domestic or intimate partner violence can be distressing. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or threats of violence, seek assistance from trusted family members, local authorities, social welfare offices, or organizations that provide support for victims. Early intervention can help prevent further harm.