ESPERANZA, Sultan Kudarat — A woman was seriously wounded after being shot by an unidentified motorcycle-riding gunman in the afternoon of Saturday, March 14, in Purok Mabuhay (Balotan), Barangay Laguinding, authorities said.
In an initial report from the Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victim was identified as Princess Jamila Falsis, an adult resident of Dikulongan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Police said the victim had traveled from Ampatuan to Tacurong City to meet someone for a transaction involving a rent-a-car service.
Investigators said that upon reaching Purok Mabuhay in Barangay Laguinding, Esperanza, Falsis and her companion stopped to buy water and stayed in the area for about 20 minutes.
While the victim was reportedly waiting at the location, an unidentified suspect suddenly appeared riding a motorcycle and opened fire, hitting Falsis in different parts of her body.
After the shooting, the suspect immediately fled the scene and escaped in an unknown direction.
Concerned citizens quickly rushed the victim to a nearby hospital where she is currently receiving medical treatment.
Responding police officers from the Esperanza MPS recovered seven fired cartridge cases (FCC) from the crime scene. Authorities have yet to determine the caliber of the firearm used in the attack.
Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation in an effort to track down and arrest the fleeing suspect.
Investigators are continuing their probe to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify the gunman responsible for the attack.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspect to coordinate with the Esperanza MPS as the investigation remains ongoing.