MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — A 54-year-old driver was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while riding his motorcycle along Barangay Marawi Poblacion on Wednesday morning, October 14, prompting police to launch a hot pursuit and manhunt operation for the suspect.
The victim was identified as Musa Mariano Ongka, also known as “Norie Papanok,” a resident of Kapai, Lanao del Sur. He was fatally shot at around 8:20 a.m. in front of Cake Ko in Barangay Marawi Poblacion, according to the initial investigation of the Marawi City Police Station.
Investigators said Ongka was driving his green Racal motorcycle when the suspect, who was riding an unplated Honda XRM motorcycle, allegedly followed him before suddenly opening fire.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the cheek, neck, back, and left shoulder. The injuries proved fatal, and he was declared dead at the scene.
Police recovered four spent cartridge cases and one slug from the crime scene. The recovered ballistic evidence was believed to have come from a caliber .45 pistol, although further investigation would be needed to establish the firearm used in the attack.
Following the shooting, police launched a hot pursuit operation and continued efforts to identify, locate, and arrest the still-unidentified assailant.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the killing. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack and pursue leads that could help identify the gunman and determine the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
The suspect remained at large as of the initial police report, while the investigation and manhunt operation continued.