CALANOGAS, Lanao del Sur (July 8, 2026) — A Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officer and his female companion were critically wounded after they were ambushed by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Bubongaranao, Calanogas, Lanao del Sur, on Wednesday evening, prompting an intensified police manhunt and investigation.
The attack occurred at around 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. as the victims were traveling aboard a black Toyota Hilux bearing plate number AEG 584 en route to Malabang, Lanao del Sur.
Authorities identified one of the victims as FO1 Hamid Dimarun, a member of the Bureau of Fire Protection. His companion, reported to be a woman, has yet to be publicly identified pending official procedures.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the victims were suddenly intercepted and repeatedly fired upon by armed assailants riding in tandem on a motorcycle. After carrying out the attack, the suspects immediately fled the scene toward an unknown direction.
Both victims sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately rushed to the Rural Health Unit in Pualas, Lanao del Sur for emergency medical treatment before being referred for further care. Authorities said the two remain under medical observation, with reports indicating that they suffered critical injuries.
Bangsamoro Regional Police Office spokesperson Captain Steffi Salanguit confirmed the shooting and said investigators are still working to establish the identities of the gunmen as well as the motive behind the attack.
Police investigators are currently processing the crime scene, gathering physical evidence, reviewing possible witness accounts, and tracing the escape route of the suspects. A manhunt operation has also been launched by the Calanogas Municipal Police Station to locate and arrest those responsible.
As of this writing, authorities have not determined whether the attack was work-related, personally motivated, or connected to other criminal activities. Investigators have not ruled out any possible angle.
The brazen ambush has alarmed residents in the area, where security forces continue to strengthen checkpoint operations and intelligence monitoring as part of efforts to prevent the suspects from escaping and to ensure public safety.
The Philippine National Police assured the public that the investigation remains ongoing and appealed to anyone with information that could help identify the perpetrators to coordinate with the nearest police station. No arrests have been made as of press time.