PAGLAT, Maguindanao del Sur — A municipal councilor was shot dead by unidentified gunmen early Wednesday morning, March 18, 2026, in the town of Paglat, Maguindanao del Sur.
The victim was identified as Councilor Samon (Samuan) Kitalok, a resident of Poblacion, Paglat. He was declared dead on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
According to initial police reports, the incident occurred at around 6:00 a.m. near a gymnasium in the area. Witnesses said the suspects approached the councilor before suddenly opening fire at close range.
After the attack, the assailants immediately fled toward an unknown direction, prompting authorities to launch a hot pursuit operation.
Police investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the killing. Authorities are looking into several angles, including possible political motives and personal disputes, but no definitive cause has been established so far.
As of this writing, the identities of the suspects remain unknown, and the investigation is ongoing.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to coordinate with the nearest police station to help bring the perpetrators to justice.