MATALAM, Cotabato — A 25-year-old woman was brutally gunned down in broad daylight by still unidentified assailants in Purok Lily, Barangay Poblacion, Matalam, Cotabato, shortly before noon on Monday, January 26, 2026, triggering heightened police alert and an ongoing manhunt.
The victim was identified by the Matalam Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Hannah Buat, also known by the alias “Bai Dulao,” a resident of Purok Waling-Waling in the same barangay.
Police said the shooting occurred at around 11:57 a.m. Buat sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead on arrival due to the severity of her injuries.
Suspects Fled on Motorcycle
Initial police investigation revealed that two armed men carried out the attack while riding a black Rusi motorcycle. Witness accounts described the driver as wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt and a tube mask, while the gunman was reportedly clad in a black long-sleeved shirt and a hat.
After the shooting, the suspects swiftly fled toward the direction of Barangay Kidama, evading immediate arrest.
Notably, authorities confirmed that the victim’s child was with her at the time of the incident, but fortunately was not harmed during the attack.
Manhunt, CCTV Review Underway
Responding units from the Matalam MPS immediately launched pursuit and hot pursuit operations in nearby areas. Police are also actively retrieving and reviewing CCTV footage from establishments and residences near the crime scene to aid in identifying the suspects.
Investigators are further seeking witnesses who may have seen the shooting or the suspects’ escape route, as authorities work to determine the motive behind the killing.
Police Appeal for Public Cooperation
The local police force has issued a strong appeal to the public to cooperate with authorities and promptly report any information that could lead to the identification or arrest of the suspects.
“Any detail, no matter how small, could be crucial in solving this case,” police said in a statement.
In the aftermath of the incident, police visibility and security measures have been intensified across the municipality to reassure residents and prevent further violence.
The investigation remains ongoing.