SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A driver was injured while his companion was killed on the spot in what police described as a brazen ambush shooting carried out by unidentified armed men in Barangay Raguisi, Sultan Kudarat, on Wednesday afternoon, May 20, 2026.
Police identified the injured victim as Muhammad Masulot Samama, 34, a driver and resident of Doña Blanco, Supermarket area in Cotabato City. His companion, believed to be his helper or pahinante, remained unidentified as of press time and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
Based on initial investigation by the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station, the victims were onboard a blue Isuzu wing van bearing plate number CBN 4728 when they were attacked at around 1:05 p.m.
Witness accounts and police reports indicate that the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, opened fire at the vehicle using a short firearm, repeatedly hitting the victims—reportedly striking them in the head before fleeing immediately in an unknown direction.
Responding personnel rushed the victims to the Cotabato Sanitarium and General Hospital after the shooting incident. However, doctors declared the unidentified male companion dead on arrival due to severe gunshot wounds, while Samama sustained injuries and is currently under medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the attackers quickly escaped after the assault, triggering a follow-up operation in nearby areas.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Esmael Madin said investigators are currently pursuing multiple leads to identify and arrest the perpetrators. The motive behind the attack has yet to be established, pending a deeper probe and the results of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) examination.
Hot pursuit operations remain ongoing as authorities tighten security in the area and gather statements from possible witnesses.
Police have not ruled out any angle as the investigation continues into the violent incident that left one dead and another fighting for recovery.