KADAYANGAN, Special Geographic Area (SGA), BARMM — Two farmers were killed while another was seriously injured after they were ambushed and shot by unidentified gunmen in broad daylight on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Barangay Sambulawan.
The fatal attack occurred at around 1:50 p.m., just meters away from the barangay hall and approximately two kilometers from the local police station, underscoring the brazenness of the assailants.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Ambi Tukuran, 24, a resident of Barangay Lumupog in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and Ali Habib Lumilis, 24, of Barangay Kadingilan, Nabalawag. Both were declared dead on arrival at the Dr. Amado Provincial Memorial Hospital after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Tukuran suffered gunshot wounds to the chest and abdomen, while Lumilis was hit in the face, neck, and hand.
A third victim, Edmund Aliso, an adult resident of the same area, survived the attack but sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He remains under medical observation at the same hospital.
Initial investigation by the Kadayangan Municipal Police Station revealed that the three victims were traveling on a blue and black Honda Click motorcycle en route to Midsayap when they were suddenly intercepted by two armed suspects riding a black XRM motorcycle. The attackers, both wearing bonnets to conceal their identities, opened fire without warning using high-powered firearms before fleeing in an undetermined direction.
Recovered from the crime scene were four empty shell casings believed to be from an M16 rifle and one casing from a caliber .45 pistol, indicating the use of powerful weapons in the assault.
Police are currently exploring “rido,” or clan feud, as a possible motive behind the killings, although authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
In response, law enforcement units launched a hot pursuit operation led by the Kadayangan Municipal Police Station under the supervision of local police officials, in coordination with the 1405th Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST), and the 33rd Infantry Battalion. Checkpoints have also been established in nearby areas to intercept the fleeing suspects.
The violent incident has raised renewed concerns over security in the Special Geographic Area, particularly amid persistent reports of clan-related conflicts.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could aid in the identification and arrest of the suspects to come forward as efforts intensify to bring those responsible to justice.