SUMISIP, Basilan — Two individuals were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them while they were traveling on a motorcycle in Barangay Marang, Sumisip, Basilan, at around 5:30 p.m. on October 4, 2026, police said.
Initial police investigation showed that the victims were riding a motorcycle from Barangay Tong Sengal toward Barangay Marang when armed men suddenly fired at them using suspected high-powered firearms.
The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died from their injuries. Their remains were later recovered from the area and turned over to their respective families for proper burial.
Police, military respond as tension rises
Upon receiving the report, PCapt. Jakaria J. Muin, acting chief of the Sumisip Municipal Police Station, immediately ordered the deployment of police personnel to the area.
Responding forces included personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B (RMFB 14-B) led by PMAJ Franklin G. Amistoso, the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) Sumisip under PSSG Arjan Kalinggalan, and soldiers from the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32nd IB), Philippine Army.
The security response was subsequently intensified after the incident triggered tension in the community.
Retaliatory gunfire reported
According to Muin, members of the victims’ family later carried out what authorities described as a retaliatory action, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
“Tapos kanina may retaliatory action ’yung pamilya kaya may putukan, pero wala naman casualties. Natigil din agad pagpasok natin,” Muin said.
Police said no additional casualties were reported during the retaliatory gunfire. The exchange reportedly stopped shortly after security forces arrived and intervened in the area.
The development prompted authorities to strengthen security measures in Barangay Marang and neighboring communities amid concerns that the initial shooting could trigger further retaliation.
Personnel from the 32nd IB were temporarily deployed in the barangay, while police intensified visibility patrols and coordinated with barangay and local government officials to prevent further violence.
Authorities are particularly focused on preventing the incident from escalating into a cycle of retaliatory attacks that could place other residents at risk.
Motive, identities of gunmen still under investigation
Police have yet to establish the motive for the initial shooting and identify the gunmen responsible.
Muin said investigators are coordinating with the military, barangay officials and other concerned agencies to verify the identities of the victims and persons possibly involved, gather intelligence and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Authorities are also working to identify other individuals who may have participated in the shooting and to locate and recover the firearms allegedly used in the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police said appropriate criminal charges will be filed once sufficient evidence is established.
Authorities appealed to residents with information about the shooting or the identities of the perpetrators to coordinate with law enforcement and assist investigators in resolving the case.
Security personnel remain on heightened alert in the affected area as authorities work to prevent any further retaliatory violence.