KOLAMBUGAN, Lanao del Norte — April 21, 2026 — What began as a routine morning jog turned into a deadly attack after two unidentified gunmen opened fire on four women in Barangay Muntay, leaving two dead and two others wounded, police said.
The shooting incident occurred at around 6:45 a.m. in Purok 3, shocking residents of the quiet community.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Grace Ajim, 35, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in Kolambugan, and Cristine Caluyong, an adult resident of Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. Both were declared dead on arrival at the Kolambugan Provincial Hospital by attending physician Dr. Lady Raizalyn Angod.
Injured in the attack were Cheris Hope Ajim, 38, also of Barangay Poblacion, and Betty R. Alaban, 66, a resident of Purok 3, Barangay Muntay. Ajim was later transferred to MHARSGEN Hospital in Ozamiz City for further treatment, while Alaban remains confined at the Kolambugan Provincial Hospital.
According to the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station, initial investigation revealed that the victims were engaged in separate early morning activities when the suspects struck. Grace Ajim and Cheris Hope Ajim were reportedly jogging along the roadside when they were suddenly shot by the assailants without apparent provocation.
After the initial attack, the suspects fled toward the direction of Rebucon Bridge. Along their escape route, they shot Betty Alaban, who was standing near the fence of her residence. Moments later, near the bridge, they also shot Cristine Caluyong, who was walking with a child at the time of the incident.
Police said the suspects immediately escaped through a pathway near the bridge and fled toward an unknown direction.
Personnel from the Kolambugan MPS responded swiftly after receiving a call from a concerned citizen reporting the gunfire. The Quick Reaction Team rushed the victims to the hospital, while responding officers secured the crime scene.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team was deployed to process evidence, and authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects.
Lt. Col. Kadapi Dansal, Public Information Officer of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, said investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack. He noted that, based on initial findings, there is no clear indication that the victims had any known conflict that could have triggered the shooting.
“Among the angles being considered is the possibility that the attack was random or senseless in nature,” Dansal said, adding that deeper investigation is ongoing.
The brazen nature of the attack, carried out in broad daylight against unarmed civilians, has raised alarm among residents, prompting calls for increased police visibility and security measures in the area.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to coordinate with local police as the investigation continues.