MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A municipal councilor from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was shot dead in a brazen broad daylight attack on Thursday afternoon, July 16, prompting authorities to launch an intensive manhunt for the assailants.
The victim was identified by police as Nasser Alipolo Dalandang, 37, a married municipal councilor of Kadayangan, SGA-BARMM, and a resident of Barangay Tugal, Kadayangan.
According to the Midsayap Municipal Police Station (MPS), officers received a report of the shooting at around 2:57 p.m. in Purok Narigta, Barangay Salunayan, along the national highway.
Initial police investigation revealed that Dalandang had parked his vehicle in front of a pharmacy while purchasing medicine. As he was inside or near his vehicle, one of two still unidentified suspects suddenly approached and opened fire, hitting the councilor multiple times.
Witnesses reported that the attack unfolded within seconds, causing panic among motorists, customers, and nearby residents before the gunmen fled the scene.
Dalandang was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but was declared dead on arrival (DOA) by the attending physician due to the severity of his gunshot wounds.
Gunmen Escape Toward SGA-BARMM
Following the attack, the suspects quickly fled aboard an unidentified vehicle, reportedly heading toward the direction of Malingao, SGA-BARMM.
Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, established coordination with neighboring police units, and initiated follow-up investigations to identify the perpetrators and determine their escape route.
Investigators are also reviewing available CCTV footage from nearby establishments and gathering statements from eyewitnesses who may have seen the attack unfold.
Motive Still Under Investigation
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the killing.
Police have not disclosed whether the attack was politically motivated, personally driven, or connected to any other possible angle, stressing that all possibilities remain under investigation pending the collection of further evidence.
Police Condemn the Attack
In an official statement, the Midsayap Municipal Police Station strongly condemned the fatal shooting and assured the public that all available resources are being utilized to identify and arrest those responsible.
The police said responding personnel immediately secured the crime scene, conducted a preliminary investigation, and intensified pursuit operations shortly after the incident.
The Midsayap MPS also emphasized that security measures have been strengthened throughout the municipality while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Authorities appealed to the public for cooperation, urging anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or assist the investigation to immediately coordinate with the nearest police station.
The fatal ambush adds to growing concerns over violent attacks targeting public officials in parts of Mindanao, underscoring the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement in bringing perpetrators of such crimes to justice.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.