KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province — A 33-year-old public utility vehicle (PUV) driver was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem assailants in a brazen attack along the National Highway in Purok 6, Barangay Sikitan, Kidapawan City, on Thursday afternoon, June 18, 2026.
The victim was identified as Alvin Lavilla Brizuela, 33, married, and a resident of Purok 4, Barangay New Cebu in the municipality of President Roxas, Cotabato. Brizuela was reportedly driving a Mitsubishi L300 Versa Commuter Van operating on the Kidapawan City–President Roxas route.
According to the initial police investigation, the incident occurred at around 5:15 p.m. while Brizuela was dropping off passengers, reportedly minors, in Barangay Sikitan. Witnesses said the victim had briefly stopped his vehicle to allow passengers to disembark when two armed men riding a motorcycle suddenly approached.
Without warning, the suspects allegedly opened fire at close range, striking Brizuela in the head and mouth area. The attack caused fatal injuries, resulting in his immediate death at the scene, according to several reports gathered by authorities.
After carrying out the attack, the suspects, who were reportedly riding a Raider-type motorcycle, quickly fled toward an unknown direction. Witnesses described the gunmen as wearing black jackets and black helmets, making identification difficult.
The killing triggered an immediate response from the Kidapawan City Police and neighboring police units, which launched a hot pursuit operation in an effort to track down and arrest the perpetrators.
Investigators are currently reviewing available evidence and gathering witness statements to establish the identities of the gunmen and determine the motive behind the killing.
The fatal shooting has heightened public concern over security in Kidapawan City, particularly as it came just two days after another deadly gun attack in the city.
On June 16, 74-year-old businesswoman Consolation Badic was also shot and killed inside her sack store by a gunman reportedly wearing a bonnet. The incident occurred at around 1:00 p.m. and remains under investigation.
Authorities have not yet established whether the two killings are connected, but the close timing of the incidents has raised alarm among residents and local stakeholders.
Police officials assured the public that investigations into both cases are ongoing and that all possible angles are being explored. Authorities are urging anyone with information that could help identify the suspects to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station.
As of press time, investigators continue to pursue leads while forensic and intelligence teams work to uncover the motive behind the latest attack that claimed the life of a hardworking public transport driver. The string of shootings this week has renewed calls for stronger law enforcement measures and intensified efforts to bring those responsible to justice.