TUGUNAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA), BARMM — A farmer engaged in a small buy-and-sell business was killed while his companion was wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in an ambush Sunday morning, March 15, in Sitio Kadingelan, Barangay Lagunde.
Authorities identified the fatality as Toks A. Subhan, 48, a farmer and local trader, who was declared dead on arrival after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head. His companion, Abdulhak G. Subhan, 28, also a farmer and resident of the same barangay, survived the attack but sustained injuries and was rushed to Cruzado Medical Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
According to an initial report from the Tugunan Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred at around 8:30 a.m. while the two victims were traveling together aboard a Bajaj motorcycle. The pair were reportedly on their way to attend to their buy-and-sell business activities when they were suddenly intercepted and repeatedly shot by still unidentified assailants.
Police said the attackers fled the scene immediately after the shooting, escaping toward an undetermined direction.
The Tugunan police, led by Police Lieutenant Cixon J. Kasan, responded to the crime scene after receiving a report from a concerned citizen at around 9:48 a.m.
During the initial investigation, authorities recovered one spent bullet casing from the scene, though the caliber of the firearm used has yet to be determined.
Family members later retrieved the body of the slain victim and brought it to their residence.
Police investigators are currently working to establish the motive behind the attack, including whether the incident was linked to personal conflict, business dealings, or other possible motives.
Meanwhile, hot pursuit operations have been launched by the police in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to track down the suspects.
Law enforcement authorities have also set up spot checkpoints in strategic areas across the Special Geographic Area, in collaboration with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14A (RMFB-14A), as part of intensified security operations aimed at intercepting the fleeing gunmen.
The Philippine National Police in BARMM said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and witness accounts that may help identify and arrest those responsible for the attack.