MATALAM, Cotabato — A 30-year-old man was killed and a 43-year-old man was wounded after a gunman opened fire on them while they were attending a wake in Barangay Lampayan, Matalam, Cotabato, on Tuesday night, October 20, 2026.
The shooting occurred at around 8:50 p.m. in Purok 3, according to the initial investigation of the Matalam Municipal Police Station.
Authorities identified the fatality by his initials, R.Q.L., 30, and the wounded victim as B.B.Q., 43. Both were residents of Barangay Lampayan.
Police said the two men were seated outside a house, talking with other wake attendees, when a suspect identified as alias “Calan,” reportedly wearing a black jacket and black pants, approached them from behind.
The suspect allegedly fired multiple shots at R.Q.L., hitting him several times. B.B.Q. was also struck by a bullet during the attack.
The gunman fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the victims at the scene.
Both men were rushed to Cotabato Provincial Hospital for medical treatment. However, R.Q.L. was declared dead on arrival due to multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body. B.B.Q. sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh.
Seven cartridge cases recovered
Investigators recovered seven cartridge cases and one fired slug from the crime scene. The ammunition components are believed to have come from a .45-caliber firearm and will undergo forensic examination.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting, and the circumstances that led to the attack remain under investigation.
The Matalam Municipal Police Station, under the leadership of Chief of Police Lt. Col. Marvin C. Hugos, is continuing its investigation to determine the motive and locate the fleeing suspect.
Police are also urging anyone with information that could help identify the suspect, establish the circumstances of the shooting, or lead to his arrest to coordinate with authorities.
The suspect remains at large, and investigators have not publicly established a motive for the attack.