BULUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A 65-year-old government employee was shot dead in a brazen roadside attack along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion here on Monday evening, April 20, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The victim was identified by Philippine National Police–BARMM spokesperson Steffi Salanguit as Abdul Ambroso Sandigan, a resident of Tacurong City. He was also reported to be a senior citizen and a government employee, with some accounts referring to him as Engineer Garry Sandigan.
Initial investigation revealed that Sandigan was standing in front of a roadside store along the highway at around 7:30 p.m. when unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and back.
Concerned citizens rushed Sandigan to the Buluan District Hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Sayrha Pamela Daulog Pillai.
Responding police units from the Buluan Municipal Police Station, under the leadership of Amil M. Andungan Jr., along with elements of the 3rd Maneuver Platoon and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, immediately secured the scene following reports of the shooting.
Authorities said the suspects, who remain unidentified, fled the scene shortly after the attack and escaped in an unknown direction. The type of firearm used has yet to be determined.
A hot pursuit operation has been launched, with police coordinating across units to track down the perpetrators. Investigators are also working to establish the motive behind the killing, which remains unclear as of this writing.
The incident underscores ongoing security concerns in parts of the Bangsamoro region, as law enforcement continues efforts to curb violence and ensure public safety.
Police said a follow-up investigation is ongoing.