SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 44-year-old motorist was shot dead while traversing the National Highway in Sitio Manito, Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on the morning of September 1, 2026, in another shooting incident reported amid the strict implementation of the election gun ban in the region.
The victim was identified by the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station (SKMPS) as Michael Mobesa Cahilig, 44, married, and a resident of Barangay Sinawingan, Libungan, North Cotabato.
According to the police’s initial investigation, Cahilig was traveling along the highway aboard his black Kawasaki Rouser motorcycle with plate number MA 77880 when he was allegedly followed by a still-unidentified man riding another motorcycle.
The suspect reportedly approached and opened fire on Cahilig while the latter was still driving.
Cahilig sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body. He was immediately brought to a hospital for medical attention but was declared dead on arrival.
Police investigators recovered several spent bullet casings from the crime scene. The type and caliber of firearm used in the shooting had not yet been established as of the initial investigation.
The identity of the gunman and the motive for the attack remained unknown.
Investigation Underway
The SKMPS has launched a continuing investigation to identify the shooter and determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence recovered from the scene and gather information from possible witnesses to establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Authorities have not publicly attributed a motive to the killing, and any possible connection between the victim and the unidentified gunman remains subject to investigation.
The shooting comes despite the strict implementation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban in the Bangsamoro region, which prohibits the unauthorized carrying, possession, or use of firearms during the election period.
The incident underscores continuing concerns over the use of firearms in violent crimes, particularly along major roads and other public areas where attacks can occur even under heightened security and firearms restrictions.
Police have urged individuals who may have witnessed the shooting or have information that could help identify the perpetrator to coordinate with the Sultan Kudarat police.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to announce any arrest or identify a person of interest in connection with the killing.