LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — A 30-year-old man survived a daytime shooting incident on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Purok Libas, Barangay Pinguiaman, prompting an intensified police manhunt after authorities later discovered the victim had two pending warrants of arrest for murder.
The victim, identified only as alias “Saber,” a resident of Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest after being ambushed at around 2:10 to 2:12 p.m., according to the Lambayong Municipal Police Station.
He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital and is now reported to be in stable condition.
His companion, identified as Kenny Wakay Trinidad, 39, a farmer and resident of the same municipality, escaped unharmed.
Ambush on the Road
Initial police investigation revealed that the two were traveling on a red motorcycle (Suzuki Thunder 125), driven by Saber, and were en route from Barangay Fiesta to Barangay Pidsandawan in Rajah Buayan when the attack occurred.
Upon reaching Purok Libas, unidentified suspects suddenly opened fire, hitting the victim in the chest. Authorities said at least two gunshots were fired using an undetermined firearm.
The suspects quickly fled the scene on a black motorcycle (Kawasaki Bajaj CT100), heading toward the direction of Sultan sa Barongis.
Police said they received the report from a concerned citizen at around 2:15 p.m., prompting an immediate response and medical evacuation of the victim.
Arrest Warrant Served in Hospital
In a significant development, follow-up verification by authorities revealed that the victim—also identified in police records as Sakilan—has two existing warrants of arrest for murder. These were issued by a Regional Trial Court in Tacurong City on March 16, 2026.
Responding officers served the warrants while the victim was undergoing treatment in the hospital.
Ongoing Manhunt, Heightened Security
Police have launched hot pursuit operations to identify and apprehend the suspects. Checkpoints have also been established in coordination with nearby barangays and other law enforcement units to track down the fleeing assailants.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting, including the possibility of links to the victim’s pending criminal cases.
Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and temporarily avoid the area as police operations continue.