DATU SALIBO, Maguindanao del Sur — A respected Islamic scholar and member of the Ulama sector in the municipality of Datu Salibo has died days after he was brutally shot by an unidentified gunman while eating breakfast inside his home, authorities and residents confirmed Saturday.
The victim was identified as Ustadz Anwar Ebrahim, a resident of Barangay Sambulawan and an active member of the Ulama sector in Datu Salibo.
According to initial reports, the attack happened on the morning of May 13, 2026, while Ebrahim was having breakfast inside his residence. Without warning, an unidentified suspect reportedly opened fire on the religious leader, hitting him multiple times in different parts of the body.
The wounded ustadz was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital where doctors attempted to save his life. However, despite several days of treatment and medical intervention, Ebrahim succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, May 16.
The killing shocked residents and members of the Moro and religious communities in Maguindanao del Sur, where Ebrahim was known for his involvement in religious and community affairs.
Authorities have yet to identify the gunman and are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and the individuals responsible for the killing.
The death of the Islamic scholar triggered grief and outrage among supporters, relatives, and fellow members of the Ulama sector. Hundreds of mourners gathered Saturday evening in Barangay Sambulawan to join the “Salatul Janazah” or Islamic funeral prayer before Ebrahim was laid to rest.
Community members described the turnout as a reflection of the deep respect many people had for the slain religious leader.
Messages of sympathy and prayers flooded the community following his death, with many expressing hope that justice will soon be served.
The fatal shooting adds to the growing concern over gun-related violence in parts of the Bangsamoro region, where authorities continue to confront security and peace-and-order challenges. Investigators are now pursuing possible leads to establish whether the attack was connected to personal motives, local conflict, or other factors.