PIKIT, North Cotabato — A barber was shot dead by unidentified gunmen inside the Pikit Public Market on Monday morning, October 12, 2026, with authorities continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the killing.
The victim was identified by the Pikit Municipal Police Station as Buwao Mocalam, an adult married man and resident of Barangay Damakasak, Pagalungan, Maguindanao del Sur.
Police investigation revealed that Mocalam sustained a gunshot wound to the head, which caused his immediate death. He was rushed to Cruzado Medical Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The unidentified suspects reportedly fled immediately after the shooting and escaped in an undetermined direction, leaving authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack.
The incident occurred within the public market, an area commonly frequented by vendors, workers, and shoppers. The killing has raised concerns over public safety, particularly in busy commercial areas where people gather for their daily activities.
The Pikit Municipal Police Station is conducting a follow-up investigation to establish the identities of the suspects, determine the motive behind the shooting, and reconstruct the events leading to the victim’s death.
Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding the circumstances of the attack. No information was immediately available on possible suspects or arrests in connection with the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances behind the killing and pursue those responsible.