LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat – A 44-year-old farmer was shot dead by an unidentified gunman who later stole his motorcycle in a brazen attack while the victim was accompanied by his 15-year-old son in Sitio Torre, Purok Rang-ay, Barangay Poblacion, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, on Thursday afternoon, July 9.
According to the initial report of the Lambayong Municipal Police Station (MPS) submitted to the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office (SKPPO), the victim was identified as Reynante Manicsic Milliones, 44, a farmer and resident of Purok Cargo, Barangay Midtapok, Lambayong.
His 15-year-old son, who was with him during the incident, miraculously survived without sustaining any injuries.
Police said the father and son were traveling on their black-and-white Honda XRM 125 motorcycle at around 4:45 p.m. to retrieve their carabao from a nearby grazing area when an unidentified suspect suddenly emerged and opened fire on Reynante.
After repeatedly shooting the victim, the assailant forcibly took the motorcycle and fled toward an undetermined direction.
Reynante sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body. Concerned residents immediately rushed him to the nearest hospital, but attending physicians declared him dead on arrival (DOA) despite efforts to save his life.
Meanwhile, his teenage son managed to escape the attack and sought help from nearby residents.
Responding police officers immediately conducted scene verification, investigation, and a hot pursuit operation, but the suspect had already escaped along with the stolen motorcycle before authorities arrived.
Police have yet to determine the identity of the gunman and the motive behind the killing, although investigators are looking into the possibility that the attack was connected to the carnapping.
Authorities have also alerted police checkpoints in neighboring municipalities to watch for the stolen Honda XRM 125 in hopes of intercepting the suspect.
The Lambayong Municipal Police Station condemned the incident and assured the victim’s family that all efforts are being undertaken to identify, locate, and arrest the perpetrator.
The police also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious individuals or information that could aid in the ongoing investigation.
The killing has left another farming family in mourning, with a young son witnessing the tragic death of his father during what should have been a routine trip to tend to their livelihood. Authorities continue to pursue all possible leads as the search for the gunman intensifies.