ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 48-year-old woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds after unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle opened fire on her while she was traveling home in Sitio Basagan, Barangay Curuan, Zamboanga City, on the evening of September 18, 2026.
The victim was identified as Jovelyn M. Laybon, single and a resident of the area.
According to the initial police report, the shooting occurred at around 6:40 p.m. as Laybon was returning home after visiting Barangay Buenavista for dinner. She was reportedly riding her red-and-black Honda XRM 125 motorcycle when two men aboard a black Yamaha Mio approached her.
The suspects, both reportedly wearing black jackets, allegedly opened fire at Laybon before speeding away toward the city proper.
Despite being wounded, Laybon managed to reach the vicinity of her residence, where she was later found seated in front of her house with gunshot wounds to her left leg.
She was immediately brought to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for medical treatment.
Personnel of Zamboanga City Police Station 2, led by PCPT Adzhar R. Omar, responded to the reported shooting at around 7:03 p.m. Police investigators secured the area while Scene-of-the-Crime Operatives processed the scene and documented possible evidence.
Authorities recovered two empty cartridge cases and two deformed slugs, which investigators believe may have been fired from a .45-caliber firearm. The recovered evidence was subjected to further examination as part of the investigation.
No clear motive established
Police have yet to establish a definite motive for the attack.
Investigators are looking into several possible angles, including a personal grudge, mistaken identity, or other circumstances involving the victim, while stressing that these remain investigative leads and have not been confirmed.
The absence of CCTV cameras in the immediate area, poor lighting conditions, and the fact that Laybon was traveling alone at the time of the incident are among the circumstances being considered by investigators.
Police are also examining the movements of the victim and the suspects before and after the shooting in an effort to establish what may have triggered the attack.
Manhunt launched
Intelligence personnel and police operatives have been conducting follow-up operations to identify and locate the suspects.
Authorities have also ordered increased police visibility and patrols in the area as investigators continue the manhunt and work to prevent further incidents.
As of the latest information available, no suspect had been reported arrested or placed in police custody in connection with the shooting.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or noticed suspicious persons or motorcycles in the area around the time of the shooting to provide information that could help investigators identify the gunmen.
The investigation remains ongoing.