MAMASAPANO, Maguindanao del Sur — Two businessmen were killed while another was wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on the “payong-payong” tricycle they were riding in Barangay Pembalkan, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday.
The fatalities were identified by Bangsamoro Regional Police spokesperson Capt. Steffi Salanguit as Alparis Dalinding and Fahad Sula, both businessmen and residents of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
Their companion, Asmawi Guialil Bantas, also a businessman and a resident of Sultan Kudarat, sustained injuries in the attack.
According to the initial police account, the three men were traveling aboard a “payong-payong” tricycle when armed men opened fire on them in the Pembalkan area. The attackers were not immediately identified, and authorities have yet to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The victims were rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional and Medical Center for emergency treatment. However, Dalinding and Sula were declared dead on arrival, while Bantas survived and was treated for his injuries.
Police Investigate Identities of Gunmen, Possible Motive
Police investigators are continuing to gather information from witnesses and examine the circumstances surrounding the attack as they work to identify the gunmen and determine the motive.
Authorities have not yet publicly attributed the shooting to any particular group, nor have they confirmed whether the incident was related to a personal dispute, business-related conflict, clan feud or other form of violence.
The incident comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Maguindanao del Sur. In a separate 2025 incident, authorities investigated an armed attack involving two MILF factions in nearby Shariff Saydona Mustapha that left several people dead and wounded. Police at the time said they were also examining whether that violence was connected to a rido or conflict between armed groups.
For the latest Mamasapano shooting, however, investigators have yet to establish any connection to previous incidents.
Police are expected to continue interviewing witnesses, documenting evidence from the scene and pursuing leads that could identify those responsible.
The shooting has once again raised concerns over the safety of civilians traveling through communities in Maguindanao del Sur, particularly as authorities continue efforts to prevent armed violence and hold perpetrators accountable.