MLANG, Cotabato — Two men were injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire outside a cockpit arena in Barangay Bialong on Sunday morning, April 5, 2026, prompting authorities to launch a manhunt against the fleeing suspects.
Police identified the victims as Rene Dela Cruz, an adult resident of Poblacion A, and Arman Bangloy, 56, a resident of Barangay Lika, both in M’lang. The two sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital by responding emergency personnel. They are currently under medical observation.
Initial investigation by the M’lang Municipal Police Station revealed that the attack occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. in front of a local cockpit arena, where the victims were reportedly outside when the assailants struck.
Witnesses said the suspects were riding in tandem on a black Bajaj motorcycle when they suddenly opened fire, repeatedly shooting at Dela Cruz, who was believed to be the primary target. Despite the volume of gunfire and the recovery of multiple spent cartridges from a .45 caliber firearm at the scene, Dela Cruz reportedly sustained only a grazing wound.
Bangloy, however, was hit in the lower back after being caught in the line of fire, indicating he may not have been the intended target.
After the shooting, the suspects quickly fled the scene, heading toward the direction of Barangay Inas via the national highway.
Following the incident, M’lang police chief PLt. Col. Realan Mamon immediately ordered a hot pursuit operation to track down and apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities are also reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from nearby establishments to aid in identifying the suspects.
Investigators are continuing to determine the motive behind the attack, including the possibility of a targeted killing. As of this writing, no arrests have been made.
The incident adds to growing concerns over riding-in-tandem shootings in the region, as police intensify efforts to curb gun-related violence and bring those responsible to justice.