PARANG, Maguindanao del Norte — A payong-payong (motorized tricycle) driver was shot dead Wednesday afternoon, March 11, at the public market area in the municipality of Parang, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified as Kamar Minandang, a local payong-payong driver who was reportedly at the public market when the attack occurred.
According to initial information from the Parang Municipal Police Station, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head, which caused his instant death. Authorities declared him dead on the spot upon assessment.
Police reports indicated that the still unidentified suspect suddenly opened fire at the victim inside the busy public market area. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities have yet to determine whether the victim was specifically targeted or if other circumstances led to the shooting.
The brazen attack in a public place has alarmed residents and vendors in the market, an area usually crowded with commuters, shoppers, and transport drivers.
Responding police officers immediately secured the crime scene and began gathering witness accounts and physical evidence that may help identify the suspect. Investigators are also reviewing possible closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from nearby establishments that could provide leads in the case.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the suspect’s description or the type of firearm used in the killing.
The body of the victim was later transported for proper documentation and examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the Parang police continue to conduct a manhunt operation and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information about the shooting to come forward and cooperate with investigators.
Police said the investigation is ongoing to determine the identity of the gunman and the motive behind the fatal shooting.