AMPATUAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A farmer and tricycle driver was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen in Barangay Dicalungan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday morning, October 26, 2026, according to an initial police investigation.
The victim was identified as Hasim Buyogan Haji Esmael, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Based on the initial investigation of the Ampatuan Municipal Police Station (MPS), Esmael was heading home aboard his motorcycle with a sidecar, locally known as a payong-payong, and was traveling toward Sitio Bliss in Barangay Kapinpilan when he encountered the two suspects at Purok Singko in Barangay Dicalungan.
Police reported that the suspects allegedly made a U-turn before shooting Esmael in the back of the head, causing his immediate death.
Authorities recovered one spent cartridge case at the scene. Its caliber has yet to be determined, and the recovered evidence is scheduled for forensic examination by the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) to help establish the circumstances of the shooting.
Following the incident, Ampatuan MPS launched a pursuit operation in coordination with the Philippine Army to track down and arrest the suspects, who were reportedly seen fleeing toward the interior portions of the barangay.
As of this report, the identities of the gunmen and their motive remain undetermined. Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
The authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the case.