LALA, Lanao del Norte — A 46-year-old man reportedly known in local cockfighting circles was shot dead in broad daylight on Tuesday afternoon, August 4, in Barangay Rebe, Lala, Lanao del Norte, prompting authorities to launch an extensive manhunt for the unidentified gunmen.
The victim, identified by local residents as Macao Villondo, a resident of Barangay Maranding Central, was reportedly a well-known cockfighting enthusiast and “masyador” in the area. While social media posts also described him as a known gambler, police have not officially confirmed those claims.
According to the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDN PPO), the fatal shooting occurred at around 5:00 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Rebe.
Initial police investigation revealed that Villondo had reportedly come from a cockfighting activity in Sitio Kuray-Kuray, Barangay Rebe. He was traveling aboard a motorcycle with a sidecar, locally known as a “payong-payong,” when he stopped at a roadside store to purchase animal feeds.
While the victim was at the store, two unidentified men riding a motorcycle allegedly approached and opened fire, striking him twice before speeding away toward an unknown direction.
Villondo was immediately rushed by responding individuals to Kapatagan Provincial Hospital, where attending physicians declared him dead on arrival.
Containment Operations Immediately Activated
In an official statement, the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office strongly condemned the killing and assured the public that an aggressive law enforcement response was immediately undertaken.
Upon receiving the report, personnel from the Lala Municipal Police Station, together with neighboring police stations and other operating units, swiftly implemented a Containment Ring Plan, established strategic checkpoints, and launched hot pursuit operations to track down the fleeing suspects.
Authorities said investigative teams are currently pursuing all available leads to establish the identities, motive, and whereabouts of those responsible for the attack.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
The provincial police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses information that could help identify the gunmen to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station.
Police assured the public that all information provided by witnesses will be treated with strict confidentiality.
Investigation Continues
As of this writing, investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting, and no suspects have been arrested.
The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Leo De Leon Sua, reiterated its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and maintaining peace and order throughout the province.
Authorities continue to conduct follow-up investigations and pursuit operations as they work to solve the case.