DATU PAGLAS, Maguindanao del Sur — A Muslim religious teacher and Qur’an educator was shot dead by an unidentified assailant while drinking coffee and resting in a hammock outside his residence in Barangay Damawato, Datu Paglas, Maguindanao del Sur, on Monday evening, October 26, 2026.
The victim, identified as Ustadz Badrudin “Flok” Bangkulit, reportedly died at the scene after the shooting, which occurred at around 7 p.m. Initial information indicated that he had just performed the Isha prayer before settling down outside his home.
Preliminary reports suggested that the assailant used a caliber .45 pistol in the attack. The suspect allegedly took two mobile phones belonging to Bangkulit before fleeing the area.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether the theft was the primary motive or merely accompanied the attack, remain unclear. Authorities have yet to identify the gunman or establish a motive for the killing.
Several young Hafidz—students who study and memorize the Holy Qur’an—were reportedly inside a nearby markaz, or Islamic learning center, when the shooting occurred. Their presence adds to the gravity of the incident, although further information is needed to determine whether any of them witnessed the attack or were directly affected.
Qur’an Education Community Mourns, Condemns Killing
The shooting drew expressions of grief and condemnation from members of the Qur’an education community, particularly colleagues associated with Bangkulit’s religious and educational work.
In an official statement, the group known as Damakling Qur’an Affairs extended its condolences to Bangkulit’s family, children, and relatives, expressing sorrow over his death and praying for strength and patience for those he left behind.
Bangkulit served as an adviser to the Bunawan Center for Qur’an Memorization under its memorization department and as a supervisor of its Education Committee. His roles reflected his involvement in supporting Qur’an memorization and religious education.
The group also prayed that Allah would forgive Bangkulit, grant him mercy, and admit him into Paradise. It called for spiritual strength and patience for his bereaved family as they cope with the loss.
Questions Remain as Investigation Awaits Official Confirmation
As of the initial reports, critical details of the incident remained unverified, including the identity of the suspect, the exact sequence of events, and the motive behind the killing.
The reported use of a firearm and the taking of the victim’s mobile phones are among the details that investigators will need to establish through evidence and witness accounts.
Authorities are expected to determine whether the incident was primarily a robbery, a targeted killing, or a crime involving other circumstances. No conclusion can be drawn until the investigation establishes the facts.
Bangkulit’s killing has left his family and fellow Qur’an educators mourning the loss of a religious teacher who served in Qur’an memorization and education. The community now awaits answers about the circumstances of his death and the identification of the person responsible.