LAMBAYONG, Sultan Kudarat — A 64-year-old farmer was wounded after he was allegedly shot multiple times by four armed suspects inside his farm in Purok 3, Barangay Bilumin, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, on Monday evening, June 29. Authorities swiftly launched a hot pursuit operation that led to the arrest of all four suspects within hours of the attack.
The victim, identified only as Wilson, 64, a married farmer and resident of Barangay Bilumin, sustained gunshot wounds to both legs. His 30-year-old son, Kefin, who was with him during the incident, escaped unharmed.
According to the Lambayong Municipal Police Station (MPS), the shooting occurred at around 6:30 p.m. while the victims were inside their farmland. Initial police investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly fired several shots at Wilson before fleeing the scene.
Wilson’s relatives immediately rushed him to a private hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Authorities said his condition is stable as he recovers from his injuries.
At around 6:40 p.m., the Lambayong MPS received a report from a concerned citizen regarding the shooting. Responding personnel, together with operatives from the 1st Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st SKPMFC) led by Force Commander PLTCOL Manuel Ryan P. Lim, immediately proceeded to the crime scene to verify the incident and conduct an investigation.
The responding units quickly launched a hot pursuit operation, resulting in the arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in the attack. Police identified the arrested individuals as:
- A 69-year-old married farmer from Barangay Tambak, Lambayong;
- A 60-year-old married farmer from Barangay Tambak, Lambayong;
- A 44-year-old married tricycle driver from Barangay San Pablo, Tacurong City; and
- A 43-year-old married farmer from Barangay Poblacion, Lambayong.
Authorities said the victim positively identified all four suspects.
Police added that the suspects were informed of the reasons for their arrest and apprised of their constitutional rights before being taken into the custody of the Lambayong MPS for proper disposition.
Land conflict eyed as motive
According to PMAJ Leonel V. Delasan, Acting Chief of Police of the Lambayong MPS, the initial investigation points to a personal dispute stemming from a land conflict as the possible motive behind the shooting.
Investigators believe the attack was the result of an ongoing disagreement involving land ownership, although authorities said the investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Police, however, were unable to recover physical evidence at the crime scene due to severe flooding, muddy terrain, and thick vegetation caused by heavy rainfall, which complicated forensic processing.
Despite the lack of recovered evidence, authorities said the prompt response and coordinated pursuit operation enabled law enforcers to apprehend the suspects shortly after the incident.
The operation involved close coordination between the Lambayong MPS and the 1st SKPMFC under the guidance of Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog and Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Marvin A. Fontalva.
Police said the successful operation reflected the objectives of the PITO Patrol initiative—Presensya (Presence), Interaksyon (Interaction), Tulong (Assistance), and Operasyon (Operations)—highlighting rapid police deployment, community cooperation, immediate assistance to the victim, and the swift arrest of the suspects.
Authorities assured the public that criminal acts will continue to be met with decisive law enforcement action and emphasized that violence has no place in resolving disputes.
The Lambayong Municipal Police Station is preparing the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the four arrested suspects.
Police also urged the public to settle land disputes through lawful channels such as the barangay, municipal government, or the courts rather than resorting to violence.
The investigation remains ongoing.