JOLO, Sulu — A 37-year-old contractual driver of Luuk District Hospital was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while driving along Amilasan Drive in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu, on the morning of October 1, 2026.
The victim, who was married and a resident of Sitio Lambayong, Barangay Bus-Bus, Jolo, was driving a gray Toyota Hiace van when he was allegedly followed by an unidentified assailant riding a Honda Beat motorcycle.
Based on the initial investigation of the Jolo Municipal Police Station (Jolo MPS), the gunman reportedly approached the van before firing at the victim, hitting him on the left side of the neck.
The shooting occurred at around 6:20 a.m., with police receiving the report approximately 10 minutes later, at about 6:30 a.m.
Personnel of the Jolo MPS immediately responded to the area and launched a hot pursuit operation in an effort to locate the fleeing suspect. However, the assailant was no longer found.
Caliber .45 cartridge recovered
The Sulu Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) team subsequently processed the crime scene as investigators worked to document and preserve evidence that could help identify the gunman.
A caliber .45 empty cartridge case was recovered at the scene, according to police.
Authorities have not yet publicly identified a possible motive for the killing. Investigators are continuing to gather information and are interviewing the victim’s relatives and witnesses who may have seen the shooting or have information about the suspect.
Police are also working to establish the circumstances leading to the attack, including the reported following of the victim by the motorcycle-riding assailant.
The victim’s remains were brought home by his relatives for burial in accordance with Muslim customs and traditions.
The Jolo MPS continues to investigate the case and is working to identify and locate the suspect.
Police have urged anyone with information that could help establish the identity or whereabouts of the gunman to coordinate with authorities.