MALANDAG, Sarangani Province — A 52-year-old businesswoman was shot dead in a brazen daylight attack at her own store in Barangay Dama de Noche, Malandag town, on the morning of December 14, 2025.
Police identified the victim as Marry Grace Luzuriaga, a resident of the area. She was rushed to a nearby hospital after the shooting but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
According to PLt. Col. Geovanni Ladeo, chief of the Malungon Municipal Police Station, the suspect arrived at Luzuriaga’s store at around 10:00 a.m., pretending to buy a broiler chicken. As the victim turned to get the item, the suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm and shot her in the chest, with the bullet exiting through her back, indicating a close-range and deliberate attack.
The assailant immediately fled the scene in an unknown direction. Responding officers recovered four spent shell casings believed to be from a .45 caliber pistol, pointing to the severity of the assault.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect, while investigators are working to establish the motive behind the killing, including the possibility of personal or business-related disputes.
Authorities are also reviewing potential CCTV footage and gathering witness accounts to aid in the identification and arrest of the gunman.
The brutal killing has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing fear over the boldness of the attack carried out in broad daylight. Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to immediately coordinate with the Malungon MPS.
The investigation remains ongoing.