NABALAWAG, SGA-BARMM — A farmer from Midsayap, Cotabato, was killed after being shot by an unidentified assailant while traveling along the national highway in Barangay Nabalawag, Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), on Saturday morning, October 24, 2026.
Police identified the victim as Alex Talungon, an adult married man residing in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Based on the initial police investigation, Talungon was riding a blue Honda XRM motorcycle bearing temporary plate number MC 90075 and traveling from Barangay Salunayan toward Barangay Nabalawag when the shooting occurred at approximately 10:45 a.m.
The victim was reportedly being followed by an unidentified suspect aboard a minivan before he was shot. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds that resulted in his death.
Authorities recovered four spent cartridge cases of undetermined caliber at the scene. The recovered evidence is expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the killing.
Personnel of the Nabalawag Municipal Police Station immediately launched a hot pursuit operation following the incident. Police also intensified monitoring along possible escape routes in an effort to track down and arrest the suspect.
As of the initial police report, the identity of the gunman and the motive behind the attack remained undetermined.
Investigators are continuing to establish the sequence of events leading to the shooting and gather information that could help identify the person responsible. Authorities have yet to disclose whether the victim had received threats or whether the attack was connected to any personal or other dispute.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting and bring the suspect to justice.