LIBUNGAN, Cotabato — A man was killed while his wife was seriously wounded after their vehicle was ambushed by unidentified gunmen in Barangay Lower Cabaruyan, Libungan, Cotabato, early Thursday morning, February 6, 2026.
According to initial police and barangay reports, the victims—believed to be a married couple engaged in business—were traveling in a white mini van when they were suddenly fired upon at around 6:45 a.m. near Crossing Largo in Lower Cabaruyan.
The male victim, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the attack, was declared dead on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. His wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was hit by bullets and suffered injuries. She was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities said that at least three suspects were involved in the ambush. After opening fire on the victims, the assailants reportedly fled the scene aboard a motorcycle, heading toward an unknown direction.
Barangay officials who arrived shortly after the incident confirmed the shooting and assisted responding police officers in securing the area. Investigators recovered several empty shell casings along the road, which are now being subjected to forensic examination.
As of this writing, the identities of the victims have not yet been officially released pending notification of their relatives. Police are also looking into possible motives behind the attack, including business-related disputes and personal conflicts, among other angles.
The Libungan Municipal Police Station (MPS) has launched a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify the suspects responsible for the crime.
“We are conducting follow-up operations and gathering statements from possible witnesses. We are also reviewing available CCTV footage in nearby areas,” a police official said.
Authorities are urging residents who may have witnessed the shooting or who have information about the suspects to come forward and coordinate with the police.
The deadly ambush has raised concerns among residents, particularly motorists and business owners who regularly travel along the stretch of road in Lower Cabaruyan. Local officials have assured the public that security measures in the area will be strengthened to prevent similar incidents.
Police vowed to intensify patrols and checkpoints in Libungan and nearby towns as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.