SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — Two soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB), 6th Infantry Division, were killed after they were attacked by armed men while traveling on a motorcycle along the Davao-Cotabato National Highway in Barangay Ladia, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Wednesday evening, September 23, 2026.
The victims were identified as Pfc. Jobert Labuson, 44, a resident of Barangay Sinawingan, Libungan, and Pfc. John Mark Dumaguing. Both were members of the Bravo Company of the 7th Infantry Battalion.
Initial police information placed the attack at around 6:10 p.m. as the two soldiers were traveling aboard a Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with plate number M339JE along the national highway.
According to the initial investigation, the soldiers were allegedly followed and fired upon by two unidentified suspects riding a white Yamaha NMAX motorcycle.
The attack left both soldiers with multiple gunshot wounds. They were immediately evacuated to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for emergency treatment after military personnel and responding authorities reached the scene.
Despite efforts to save them, both soldiers were later declared dead at the hospital at approximately 8:30 p.m., according to the hospital report provided to authorities.
Three .45-Caliber Shell Casings Recovered
Crime scene investigators recovered three spent cartridge cases believed to have come from a .45-caliber handgun, based on the initial crime scene processing conducted by the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit.
Police also reported recovering a live round at the scene.
Investigators are continuing to determine the exact circumstances of the attack, including the identities of the gunmen, the motive, and whether the assault was specifically targeted at the two soldiers.
Authorities have launched intelligence gathering and follow-up operations aimed at identifying and locating the suspects.
Investigation Underway
The shooting occurred along a major highway in Barangay Ladia, an area traversed by motorists and residents traveling between communities in Maguindanao del Norte and neighboring areas.
Police have yet to publicly establish who was behind the attack. No motive has been conclusively determined as of the latest information available.
Authorities are expected to examine the crime scene, the recovered ammunition and other evidence, possible CCTV or roadside footage, and information from witnesses as the investigation progresses.
The deaths of Labuson and Dumaguing bring the incident to a fatal conclusion after both soldiers were initially reported in critical condition shortly after the shooting.
The Philippine Army and police authorities have not yet publicly disclosed additional details regarding possible suspects or the circumstances that may have led to the attack.
The investigation remains ongoing.