A 54-year-old woman was killed after she was struck by a stray bullet amid reported gunfire in a remote area of Sitio Tamlang, Barangay Papakan, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, on Sunday morning, October 4, 2026.
The victim was identified by BARMM Police spokesperson Capt. Steffi Salanguit as Salifa Pagalamatan, a resident of the area and a former overseas Filipino worker.
According to the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), residents in the area heard gunshots before the incident. Neighbors reportedly advised Pagalamatan to leave her house and seek a safer location because of the reported tension in the area.
Pagalamatan, however, reportedly decided to remain inside her home. Moments later, she was struck by a bullet believed to have been fired from an undetermined location.
She was immediately rushed to the Bangsamoro Regional Medical Center (BRMC) for medical attention. However, she succumbed to her injuries while being transported to the hospital and was declared dead on arrival.
The incident occurred amid reports of tension between opposing groups in the area. An initial situation report dated October 3 indicated that some civilians had already evacuated from portions of Barangay Papakan because of security concerns involving the two groups.
Authorities said that, at that point, there had been no confirmed report of a sustained exchange of gunfire. Residents had reportedly heard bursts of gunfire from both sides, prompting heightened concern and precautionary evacuation among some civilians.
Police have yet to establish where the fatal bullet originated or determine whether it was directly connected to the reported gunfire between the groups.
Investigators are continuing efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding Pagalamatan’s death, including identifying the firearm or individuals responsible for the shooting. Authorities are expected to gather witness accounts and other available evidence as part of the investigation.
The incident has again raised concerns over the danger posed to civilians when armed confrontations occur near residential communities. Even when residents are not directly involved in hostilities, indiscriminate or stray gunfire can turn homes and surrounding communities into areas of grave danger.
Meanwhile, police have intensified patrols and security monitoring in the area in coordination with military personnel to prevent further violence and protect civilians.
Authorities are also expected to closely monitor the situation in Barangay Papakan and surrounding communities as tensions remain a security concern.