KALILANGAN, Bukidnon — A 57-year-old blacksmith is now in critical condition after being shot by his neighbor following a heated confrontation linked to a longstanding personal dispute on the morning of March 17, 2026.
The incident occurred at around 10:00 a.m. in Purok 2, Central Poblacion, in the municipality of Kalilangan.
According to a report from the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station, the suspect, a 46-year-old male and neighbor of the victim, had gone to his father’s house—located near the victim’s residence—reportedly to settle an ongoing conflict between the two parties.
However, while the suspect was along the الطريق, the victim allegedly attempted to attack him using a bladed weapon. In response, the suspect drew a firearm and shot the victim, hitting him in the chest and back.
The wounded blacksmith was immediately rushed to a provincial hospital in Kalilangan, where he remains under intensive medical care in critical condition.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled toward Barangay Kinura. Authorities promptly launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to his successful arrest shortly after the incident.
Recovered from the suspect were a caliber .38 revolver believed to have been used in the shooting, four live rounds of ammunition, two spent shell casings, and a sling bag.
The suspect is currently detained at the Kalilangan Municipal Police Station, while authorities prepare appropriate charges. Meanwhile, the victim continues to fight for his life in the hospital.
Police are conducting a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the history of the dispute that led to the violent encounter.