LALA, Lanao del Norte — A 48-year-old man was wounded after being shot three times by a suspected companion following an alleged illegal drug session on the evening of April 10, 2026, in a residential area in Barangay Maranding, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Hernani Dela Cerna Dador, an unemployed resident of Fernan, Maranding. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the incident that occurred around 8:00 p.m. in Purok Indian Tree.
Police identified the suspect only by the alias “Rambo Buale,” who remains at large as of this writing.
According to an initial report from local police, both the victim and the suspect were reportedly engaged in a “pot session,” or illegal drug use, prior to the shooting. Investigators said that shortly after the session, the suspect suddenly opened fire on Dador, hitting him three times before fleeing the scene.
The motive behind the attack has yet to be established, but authorities are looking into possible drug-related disputes as a key angle in the investigation.
The wounded victim was immediately brought to a nearby medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition has not yet been disclosed.
Law enforcement authorities have launched a manhunt operation to locate and apprehend the suspect. Police are also urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns over the persistence of illegal drug activities in communities, which authorities say often lead to violent crimes and endanger public safety. Officials reiterated their call for stronger community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities and supporting anti-drug operations.