TALAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A 43-year-old tricycle driver, locally known as a “payong-payong” driver, was shot dead in a brazen midday ambush in Purok 2, Barangay North Binangga, Talayan on Wednesday, March 4, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Guiabar Laguiamuda Dalgan, a farmer and former drug surrenderee from Barangay Barrio Muslim 2 in the nearby town of Guindulungan.
Initial reports from the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office and the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said Dalgan was driving his tricycle with plate number NG 84414 when armed men lying in wait suddenly opened fire at him around 12:45 p.m.
Witnesses said the attackers used high-powered firearms, reportedly M16 assault rifles, repeatedly shooting the victim while he was on the road in North Binangga. Dalgan sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body, causing his immediate death at the scene.
Police officers from the Talayan Municipal Police Station, led by station chief PMAJ Michael L. Ameril, quickly responded after receiving reports of the shooting. Responding units coordinated with the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Mobile Force Company before proceeding to the crime scene.
Authorities established a police line cordon while investigators conducted crime scene processing. According to Investigator-on-Case Nesrin U. Kalim, a spent shell believed to be from a 5.56mm firearm was recovered at the scene.
Local officials and barangay leaders in North Binangga reported that the suspects fled immediately after the attack and remain unidentified. A manhunt operation and further investigation are ongoing to determine both the identities of the gunmen and the motive behind the killing.
Police said Dalgan had previously been linked to illegal drug activities but had surrendered to authorities in the past and reportedly returned to farming and driving a tricycle for a living.
Municipal officials of Talayan and local police are now working together to track down those responsible for the attack.
Meanwhile, Dalgan’s family has already taken custody of his remains and laid him to rest following Islamic burial traditions observed in Maguindanao del Sur.