LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — October 28, 2026 — A 35-year-old rubber tapper was wounded after he was allegedly shot four times during a confrontation in Barangay Bohe Bessey shortly after noon on Monday, October 26, prompting police to launch pursuit operations against the suspected gunman.
The victim, identified as Ardie Jacinto Baul, a married resident of the barangay, sustained gunshot wounds to the right side of his chest and lower abdomen. He was rushed to Lamitan District Hospital, where he remained under medical treatment as of the latest police report.
Initial police investigation indicated that Baul had gone to the residence of a person identified as Lintaran to clarify allegations that he had provided information to authorities in connection with an earlier law enforcement operation.
While at the residence, the suspect, identified in the police report as Arman Misa, allegedly opened fire on Baul, shooting him four times with a firearm of undetermined caliber.
The circumstances surrounding the confrontation, including the nature of the allegations against the victim and what transpired immediately before the shooting, remain under investigation. Police have yet to establish a definitive motive for the attack.
The Lamitan City Police Station received the incident report at approximately 12:20 p.m. on Monday and dispatched responding personnel about five minutes later. The response was led by Police Lt. Col. Joel C. Tuttuh, chief of police, with support from members of the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Company under Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14-B.
Following the incident, police began coordinating with barangay officials and neighboring police stations to track down the suspect and facilitate his arrest.
Investigators are continuing to gather information to establish the full sequence of events and determine the circumstances that led to the shooting. Authorities have not reported an arrest in the latest available update.
The case highlights the importance of allowing law enforcement authorities to investigate allegations through established legal procedures rather than resorting to violence. The suspect’s alleged involvement remains subject to investigation and due process.
Police have yet to release further details regarding the victim’s condition or any subsequent developments in the pursuit operation.