PIGCAWAYAN, COTABATO — Two active-duty Philippine Army personnel assigned to the 7th Infantry Battalion were arrested after allegedly shooting a 23-year-old man in Barangay South Manuangan, Pigcawayan, Cotabato, at around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
North Cotabato Police Director Col. Rammel Hojilla identified the suspects as Corporal Jackson Sedigo Arabis, 33, and Private First Class Jobert Fillalan Samperoy, 28. Both are residents of Midsayap, Cotabato, and are assigned to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion.
Police reports identified the victim as Datu Albana Mascud Samod, a resident of Cotabato City, who was traveling from Davao City to Cotabato City aboard his Yamaha NMAX motorcycle when the suspects allegedly pursued and shot him.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm, with the bullet reportedly passing through his arm and exiting through his back.
Following the incident, police launched a hot pursuit operation after receiving information about the suspects, who were reportedly seen speeding toward Midsayap. Personnel of the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station subsequently caught up with and arrested the two soldiers in Barangay Presbitero, Pigcawayan.
Authorities recovered two .45-caliber pistols, two steel magazines, 15 rounds of ammunition, and a Honda RS150 motorcycle during the operation.
According to police, the suspects failed to present documents establishing their legal authority to possess and carry the firearms. The victim also positively identified the two men as the individuals who allegedly shot him.
Samod is currently receiving medical treatment at Pesante Hospital in Libungan, Cotabato. Meanwhile, Arabis and Samperoy remain detained at the custodial facility of the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Station as authorities prepare the appropriate charges.
Investigators are continuing to determine the motive behind the shooting and establish the circumstances that led to the alleged pursuit and attack.
The case has drawn attention because the two arrested individuals are serving members of the Philippine Army. However, the allegations against them remain subject to the legal process, and their individual liability will have to be established through the evidence and appropriate judicial proceedings.
Police have yet to disclose a confirmed motive for the incident as the investigation continues.