DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao del Norte — A 23-year-old driver was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while driving a motorized tricycle locally known as a “payong-payong” along Diversion Road in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Thursday night, August 20, 2026.
The killing adds to continuing concerns over gun-related violence in the region despite the strict implementation of the election gun ban, which prohibits the unauthorized carrying and use of firearms during the designated election period.
Police identified the victim as Chopin Mohammad Blah, also known as “Makoy,” a married resident of Barangay Capiton.
According to the initial investigation, Blah was driving his payong-payong through the area at around 10:40 p.m. when the unidentified assailant suddenly opened fire at him. After the shooting, the gunman immediately fled the area and escaped in an undetermined direction.
Responding police officers recovered two spent cartridge cases at the scene, which were believed to have come from a .45-caliber firearm. The recovered evidence was secured as part of the ongoing investigation and may be subjected to further examination to help establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Blah was immediately rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) in Cotabato City for emergency medical treatment. However, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Following the incident, the victim’s wife brought his remains to Barangay Katuli, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, where his family prepared for his burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police Station has launched a continuing hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the gunman. Investigators are also working to establish the circumstances leading to the shooting and determine whether the victim had any known threats or disputes prior to the attack.
As of the latest police information, the motive remains unknown.
The shooting underscores the continuing challenge faced by authorities in preventing firearm-related crimes, particularly during periods when heightened security measures and restrictions on the movement and carrying of firearms are in effect. While the election gun ban is intended to help prevent violence and maintain public order, authorities continue to investigate how firearms are being possessed and used in criminal incidents.
Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has information that could help identify the assailant to coordinate with the authorities. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials said further details will be released as they become available.