KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO — A utility worker at a private hospital and community leader was shot dead by unidentified gunmen while reportedly on his way home after work in Barangay Sudapin, Kidapawan City, early Saturday, September 19, 2026.
The victim was identified as George Ferenal Tuazon, an orderly or utility worker at Midway Hospital in Kidapawan City. Tuazon also previously served as the Purok President of Purok 7-C in Barangay Sudapin before his family moved to Purok 7-B after acquiring a property in the area.
Initial information indicated that Tuazon was riding his Bajaj motorcycle and heading home after completing his duty when he was allegedly intercepted along the roadside in Purok 7-D, TJC, Barangay Sudapin, near a local bansuhan.
Residents reportedly heard about four successive gunshots at around 12:40 a.m. Authorities later found Tuazon fatally wounded.
According to information shared by the victim’s family, the gunfire struck Tuazon in the head, shoulder and chest. His family also said that the motorcycle showed no apparent scratches or damage, raising their suspicion that he may have been stopped before the shooting.
When Tuazon was found, he was reportedly still carrying food that he had intended to bring home to his family after his shift.
His wife, Emelyn Saniog Tuazon, said the killing has left the family deeply frightened. She reportedly now fears leaving their home in Purok 7-B because the shooting occurred only a short distance from their residence.
The family said they have yet to determine who could be behind the killing or what prompted the attack. They are not ruling out the possibility that the victim may have known the person or persons responsible, although this remains unconfirmed and is among the matters that authorities are expected to investigate.
The family also denied reports circulating in the community that Tuazon had been involved in a physical altercation with a co-worker about a week before the shooting, saying the information was not true.
Authorities have yet to publicly identify a suspect or establish a motive. Investigators are continuing to gather information, including possible eyewitness accounts and other evidence that could help establish the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Beyond his work at the hospital, Tuazon was known in his community as a purok leader. His death has therefore affected not only his immediate family but also residents who knew him through his community involvement.
For Emelyn, the loss has brought uncertainty about how she will provide for their two children. She also works as a daycare teacher in Barangay Sudapin but is reportedly unsure whether she can immediately return to work because of the fear brought about by the killing.
Tuazon’s remains are scheduled to be brought to their final resting place on September 30, 2026, in their family property in Aleosan, Cotabato.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine who carried out the shooting, why Tuazon was targeted, and whether the killing was a random attack or connected to a personal or other dispute.