BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — A 21-year-old laundry attendant was shot dead inside a laundry shop in Barangay Ampayon, Butuan City, with police identifying an active Philippine Army soldier as the alleged gunman and launching a hot-pursuit operation following the incident.
The shooting was reported at around 6:10 p.m. on August 29, 2026, in Purok 7, Kilometer 8, Barangay Ampayon, according to an initial police report received by the Butuan City Police Station 4 (BCPS 4).
The victim was identified in police information as Leah Mae Gallino Badbaran, 21, a laundry attendant and resident of Barangay Philippine Pack in San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
Police identified the alleged suspect as PFC Noel “Akit” Manpinsahan, an active member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who was reportedly last assigned to the 26th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Shooting inside laundry shop
Based on the initial investigation, Badbaran was reportedly inside the laundry shop attending to freshly washed clothes when Manpinsahan allegedly arrived aboard a blue Rusi TMX-type motorcycle.
Police said the suspect approached the victim and allegedly confronted her over their relationship, reportedly asking whether she was going to break up with him.
The suspect was allegedly carrying a firearm during the confrontation.
The victim reportedly went outside the laundry shop, but the suspect allegedly fired at her, striking her in the chest.
The shooting caused panic in the area as the suspect immediately fled from the scene aboard the motorcycle and headed toward an undetermined direction.
Concerned citizens subsequently alerted the police, prompting BCPS 4 personnel to respond to the area.
Victim declared dead on arrival
The victim was rushed to Butuan Medical Center for emergency medical treatment. However, despite efforts to save her, she was declared dead on arrival.
Initial police information indicated that the gunshot wound to the chest was fatal.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the nature of the relationship between the victim and the suspect and what immediately preceded the shooting, remain subject to further investigation.
Police have not established a final motive and are treating the alleged relationship dispute as part of the circumstances being examined.
Hot pursuit launched
Following the shooting, BCPS 4 immediately launched a hot-pursuit operation to locate and arrest Manpinsahan.
Police units in neighboring areas were also alerted and coordinated with BCPS 4 in an effort to track the suspect’s movements and prevent his escape.
Authorities are also gathering additional information and evidence to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
As of the latest information available, the suspect remained at large, while the police operation to locate him was ongoing.
The alleged involvement of an active-duty soldier has also placed additional attention on the case. However, the suspect remains an alleged perpetrator unless and until proven guilty in court.
Police are expected to pursue appropriate criminal and other proceedings based on the results of the investigation.
The killing has left the victim’s family and community seeking answers as authorities continue their efforts to locate the suspect and determine the full circumstances behind the death of the 21-year-old laundry attendant.