SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A man was killed after being shot multiple times by still unidentified gunmen in a broad daylight attack in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday afternoon, June 9.
The victim was identified by the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Moktar Baganday, also known as “Bataga,” a married resident of KM21, Barangay Alamada, Sultan Kudarat.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at around 3 p.m. in Barangay Pigcalagan. Initial investigation revealed that Baganday was reportedly scheduled to meet with individuals believed to be the suspects near a residential area when he was suddenly attacked.
Authorities said the assailants fired at least three shots using a short firearm, hitting the victim in the face and head. The gunmen immediately fled the scene after the shooting.
Residents rushed to assist the victim, who was still showing signs of life after the attack. He was initially brought to the Cotabato Sanitarium and General Hospital and later referred for emergency treatment. However, despite efforts by medical personnel to save him, Baganday succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
Crime scene investigators recovered three spent shell casings and one bullet slug from the area where the shooting occurred, providing initial evidence that may help identify those responsible.
Police investigators are currently pursuing several angles, including the possibility that the meeting had been pre-arranged before the deadly ambush. However, authorities admitted they remain blank on the exact motive behind the killing.
“No suspects have been identified as of this time, and the motive remains under investigation,” police said.
The shooting has raised concerns among residents of Barangay Pigcalagan, where the attack took place in the middle of the afternoon, highlighting ongoing security challenges in some communities in the province.
Authorities have launched a manhunt operation and are reviewing possible witnesses and available evidence that could lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.
The Sultan Kudarat MPS is appealing to the public to cooperate with investigators and provide any information that may help solve the case.
As of this writing, police continue to investigate whether the attack was connected to a personal dispute, a criminal transaction, or other motives, while efforts are underway to track down the gunmen behind the fatal shooting.