PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — A heated dispute between two neighbors ended in bloodshed after one man was shot dead inside his own home in Sitio Budakan, Barangay Nituan, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday evening.
The victim was identified as Habib Matinggaw (also reported as Habib Matingao), a resident of the area and a driver by profession. He was fatally shot by his neighbor, identified only by the alias Rasul Asil, following a heated argument that escalated into violence.
According to initial police investigation, Matinggaw and the suspect engaged in a verbal altercation outside their homes. The argument reportedly intensified, prompting Rasul to return to his house and retrieve a firearm. Moments later, he allegedly went back and shot Matinggaw while the victim was already inside his residence.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds and was declared dead on the spot.
After the incident, the suspect immediately fled the scene, triggering a hot pursuit operation by local police forces. Authorities are now coordinating with nearby communities and checkpoints to track down the suspect.
In an interview, PNP-BARMM spokesperson Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a personal dispute between the two men. He added that the police are actively working to determine the motive behind the killing and to ensure the swift arrest of the suspect.
“The suspect went home to get his firearm and came back to shoot the victim,” Ventura said, stressing that such acts of violence will not be tolerated and that the police are committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice.
The Philippine National Police is urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts or the incident to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station to help in the speedy resolution of the case.
The incident adds to growing concerns over gun-related violence in parts of Maguindanao del Norte, highlighting once again how personal disputes, when mixed with easy access to firearms, can quickly turn fatal.