DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — A 44-year-old farmer was killed while another woman was wounded by a stray bullet after unidentified gunmen opened fire on a couple traveling along the National Highway in Barangay Kanguan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on Tuesday evening, November 10, 2026.
Police identified the fatality as Zukarno Sandalio Bandato, a farmer and resident of Barangay Liong, Datu Piang. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body during the attack and was declared dead on arrival at the Abpi-Samama Medical Lying-In Clinic and Hospital, where he was rushed for emergency treatment.
Based on the initial police investigation, Bandato and his wife were traveling home aboard their Yamaha NMAX 155 motorcycle when they were suddenly attacked by unidentified armed men riding in a white minivan without a license plate.
The assailants reportedly opened fire on the couple before immediately fleeing the scene aboard the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the type of firearm used and the number of gunmen involved, have yet to be fully established.
Although Bandato’s wife was reportedly unharmed, another unidentified woman was hit by a stray bullet during the shooting. She was brought to a hospital in Midsayap for medical treatment. The extent of her injuries was not immediately disclosed.
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The Datu Piang Municipal Police Station said it received information about the shooting from a concerned citizen at approximately 7:25 p.m. and immediately dispatched responding personnel to the area.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack or determine the identities of those responsible. Investigators are pursuing follow-up operations and intelligence efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The incident has raised renewed concerns over the safety of motorists and residents traveling along public roads, particularly when armed perpetrators can carry out attacks and escape before authorities arrive.
Police have urged anyone with relevant information that could help establish the circumstances of the shooting or identify the suspects to coordinate with the appropriate authorities. The motive remains undetermined as the investigation continues.