TULUNAN, Cotabato Province — A 47-year-old farmer and trucker was killed while his 37-year-old brother was critically wounded after two armed men opened fire on them in broad daylight in Barangay Dungos, Tulunan, on Wednesday afternoon, October 7, 2026.
The victims, identified as Joan Navarro Monasterio, 47, and his younger brother, Jerwin Monasterio, 37, were traveling aboard a Bongo truck to collect and load bananas for work when the shooting occurred at around 4 p.m. in Purok 13, according to information from the Tulunan Municipal Police Station.
Initial police findings indicated that the brothers were approaching their destination when two armed men suddenly appeared along the road and stopped them before opening fire. The suspects were reportedly wearing black jackets and allegedly used a .45-caliber pistol in the attack.
Both victims sustained gunshot wounds. Joan was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival, while Jerwin was taken for medical treatment and remained in critical condition, according to the available reports.
Following the shooting, the two suspects reportedly fled toward an undetermined direction, with an initial account indicating that they may have headed toward SK Pendatun in Maguindanao. Authorities have yet to publicly establish their precise escape route.
Possible Workplace Rivalry Under Investigation
Police are investigating a possible dispute and competition related to trucking as a motive behind the attack.
According to information attributed to Tulunan Municipal Police Station chief Major Rolando Dillera Jr., the suspects were also reportedly involved in trucking, making a possible work-related conflict one of the angles being examined by investigators.
Authorities are continuing efforts to establish the circumstances leading to the shooting, determine the suspects’ respective roles, and identify the motive behind the attack. The suspects were reportedly being pursued in a hot pursuit operation.
The alleged involvement of the suspects in the trucking industry and the possible workplace rivalry remain investigative leads and should not be treated as an established motive until confirmed by authorities.
Mayor, Police and Military Inspect Incident Site
On Thursday morning, October 8, Tulunan Mayor Lee Roy V. Villasor, together with police personnel led by Major Dillera and military personnel, visited the reported shooting site in Purok 13, Barangay Dungos.
The visit aimed to assess the situation and help ensure the safety and security of residents in the area as authorities continued their investigation.
The municipal government said it was coordinating closely with the Tulunan Municipal Police Station and other concerned authorities to address the incident and maintain peace and order throughout the municipality.
LGU Appeals for Calm and Verified Information
In an official statement addressed to residents, the Local Government Unit of Tulunan acknowledged the concern and apprehension caused by the shooting and assured the public that the incident was being treated with urgency and seriousness.
The LGU urged residents to remain calm and vigilant and to rely only on verified information and official announcements from the municipal government and law enforcement agencies. It also cautioned the public against circulating unverified reports, speculation or claims that could trigger unnecessary fear, confusion or division within the community.
The local government further encouraged anyone with reliable information that could help investigators to report it immediately to the Tulunan Municipal Police Station or the appropriate authorities.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances of the attack and pursue those responsible.