DATU MONTAWAL, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A married couple was shot dead by unidentified armed men who allegedly broke into their home while they were asleep in Sitio Matiyumpong, Barangay Talitay, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, late Tuesday night, September 8.
The victims were identified as Moowa “Alex” Pandapatan and his wife, Bimban Bai Macabimban Salipada-Pandapatan, both adults and residents of the area.
Barangay Kagawad Omar “Brando” Sandigan said the incident occurred at around 11:30 p.m., when armed men reportedly entered the couple’s residence and opened fire on them.
The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died immediately, according to the initial information provided by local authorities.
After the shooting, the assailants allegedly took the couple’s money and jewelry before fleeing the area.
Authorities are reportedly considering robbery as one of the possible motives, although investigators have yet to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and determine whether the killing was solely connected to the alleged theft.
The incident is particularly alarming as it occurred amid the ongoing implementation of the gun ban in the Bangsamoro region, raising renewed concerns over the continued presence and use of firearms in criminal incidents despite restrictions on the carrying and use of guns during the election period.
However, the circumstances surrounding how the suspects obtained or carried the firearms have yet to be established, and authorities have not publicly identified the weapons allegedly used in the attack.
Police investigators are continuing efforts to determine the identities and whereabouts of the suspects and to establish the sequence of events that led to the killings.
The victims’ deaths have also heightened concerns over the security of residents, particularly those who may be vulnerable to armed attacks inside their own homes.
Authorities are expected to pursue the investigation and gather additional evidence, including information from witnesses and other available sources, to identify those responsible for the double killing and alleged robbery.
No suspect has been publicly identified or arrested as of the latest information available.
The investigation remains ongoing.