COLUMBIO, SULTAN KUDARAT — A violent incident stemming from an attempted suicide left one man dead and a woman seriously injured in Sitio Sbandaging, Barangay Datalblao, in the municipality of Columbio on Tuesday afternoon, February 17, 2026.
Police said the incident occurred at around 1:40 p.m. when a man identified only by the alias “Francis” allegedly attempted to take his own life using a bolo. According to the Columbio Municipal Police Station, the suspect became violent when family members and residents tried to stop him.
Investigators revealed that the suspect’s wife sought help from a nearby resident, alias “Tata,” 57, to intervene and prevent the suicide attempt. As the situation escalated, alias “Francis” allegedly lashed out in anger and repeatedly hacked a woman identified as alias “Evelyn,” a person with disability (PWD), who attempted to restrain him.
Police added that the suspect also tried to attack alias “Tata.” Fearing for his life, “Tata” reportedly fired a single shot from a 12-gauge homemade shotgun, fatally hitting “Francis.”
Alias “Evelyn” sustained multiple hacking wounds to her hands, arms, shoulders, and other parts of her body. She was immediately rushed to Columbio Infirmary Hospital before being transferred to the Cotabato Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
Following the incident, alias “Tata” voluntarily surrendered to Barangay Datalblao authorities, turning over the firearm to Punong Barangay Hon. Datu Zahir Akmad M. Mamalinta.
The Columbio police said a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting and to establish any possible criminal liabilities.
Authorities also reminded the public of the importance of seeking immediate professional help during mental health crises, stressing that timely intervention and community support can prevent tragedies from escalating into deadly violence.