TUPI, South Cotabato — A member of the Provincial Security Unit (PSU) of the South Cotabato Provincial Capitol was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in an apparent ambush while on his way to work early Wednesday morning, July 8, 2026, in Sitio Atbangan, Barangay Tubeng, Tupi, South Cotabato.
The victim was identified as Thokh Andalinog, a married resident of Barangay Tubeng and a personnel of the Provincial Security Unit assigned at the South Cotabato Provincial Capitol.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Tupi Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 5:45 a.m. while Andalinog was riding his motorcycle from his residence to the Provincial Capitol. As he reached Sitio Atbangan, he was reportedly ambushed and repeatedly shot by unidentified assailants before they fled the scene.
A relative of the victim told that Thokh was traveling his usual route to work when the attackers opened fire. He said the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head, leaving him critically injured.
Responding residents and emergency personnel immediately rushed Andalinog to a nearby hospital. However, attending physicians declared him dead on arrival (DOA) due to the severity of his injuries.
Crime scene investigators recovered four spent shell casings from the scene of the attack. Authorities have yet to determine the caliber or type of firearm used in the killing, pending forensic examination.
Police have not identified the perpetrators, nor have they established a motive behind the fatal shooting. Investigators are looking into all possible angles, including whether the attack was connected to Andalinog’s work as a Provincial Security Unit member or stemmed from personal motives.
The Tupi Municipal Police Station has launched an intensive investigation and a hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspects. Authorities are also appealing to the public to provide any information that could help solve the case.
The killing has raised fresh security concerns in South Cotabato, particularly following the fatal attack on a government security personnel. Police assured the public that all available investigative resources are being utilized to bring those responsible to justice and determine the motive behind the brazen daylight ambush.