PIKIT, Cotabato — A barangay official from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was shot dead early Saturday morning, April 25, in a brazen attack that has raised fresh concerns over security and unresolved local conflicts in the area.
Authorities identified the victim as Ricky Mutalib, an elected barangay kagawad of Barangay Balong in the municipality of Tugunan, SGA-BARMM. He was declared dead on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and other parts of his body.
Initial investigation by the Pikit Municipal Police Station revealed that Mutalib was riding his motorcycle along a road in Barangay Ladtingan, Pikit, when he was suddenly ambushed by still unidentified gunmen. The suspects fled immediately after the attack, sparking a hot pursuit operation by responding authorities.
Police have yet to release an official and comprehensive account of the incident as verification and coordination efforts remain ongoing. As of writing, the motive behind the killing has not been established.
However, background information gathered from local sources indicates that Mutalib had previously survived a similar shooting incident in March 2025 in Pikit, suggesting possible threats to his life even before Saturday’s fatal attack.
The slain official was also reportedly involved in a rido (clan feud) settlement facilitated by the Tugunan local government unit and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (MILF-AHJAG). Records show that as recently as April 8, 2026, Mutalib participated in a conflict resolution dialogue involving an individual identified as Abdulrahman Payot and others. During the proceedings, Mutalib publicly swore on the Qur’an, denying any involvement in allegations previously leveled against him.
An earlier attempt to mediate tensions between the parties was also documented in April 2022, underscoring the long-standing nature of the dispute.
Investigators are now looking into whether the killing is linked to the prior rido or other possible motives, including personal or political angles.
Local authorities continue to gather evidence and eyewitness accounts, while security forces have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators.
The incident highlights the persistent challenges of maintaining peace and order in conflict-affected communities, even amid ongoing peacebuilding efforts in BARMM and adjacent areas.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.