MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur — A businessman was killed while two alleged suspects were arrested following a shooting incident inside the Haifa Palace compound in Barangay Gadongan, Marawi City, at around 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The fatality was identified as Daud Ayo Ali, a resident of Barangay Gadongan. His companion, identified only as alias Ans, escaped unharmed, according to initial police reports.
The arrested individuals were identified by the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO) as Yahya Tomawis, alias “Pingko,” and Jalil Hadji Malic. Both are currently under police custody at the Marawi City Police Station for documentation and further investigation.
Initial investigation by the Marawi City Police Station indicated that the shooting may have stemmed from a long-standing dispute over land ownership between individuals identified as alias Tom and alias Ans. Authorities also learned that a previous confrontation involving their children reportedly occurred in October this year in connection with the same dispute.
Police accounts indicated that Tom and Ans encountered each other again inside the Haifa Palace compound, where Ans was reportedly accompanied by his child. The encounter allegedly escalated into a heated confrontation.
During the incident, a black Toyota Hilux driven by Daud Ayo Ali was hit by three bullets. The situation subsequently escalated into an armed confrontation after Daud’s group reportedly arrived, resulting in the businessman’s death.
Following the shooting, personnel of the Marawi City Police Station, led by PLTCOL Muhiddin G. Pagayawan, immediately responded and launched a hot pursuit operation in coordination with the Special Action Force (SAF), the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 1403rd Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Task Force Marawi.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of Tomawis and Malic within the vicinity of the incident, near the Petron gasoline station inside the Haifa Palace compound.
The two arrested individuals remain in police custody as investigators complete the necessary documentation and prepare the appropriate criminal charges under existing laws.
However, the police emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the exact sequence of events and the individual participation of those involved, remain under investigation. The alleged land dispute is being considered an initial possible motive, not yet a definitive conclusion.
In a statement issued on November 3, the LDSPPO expressed condolences to the victim’s family and assured them that the case would be handled professionally, objectively, and in accordance with due process.
The provincial police office also appealed to the families, relatives, and other individuals connected to the dispute to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions.
Authorities stressed that personal and family disputes should never result in the loss of human life, urging everyone involved to allow investigators to establish the facts and let the legal process take its course.
The LDSPPO reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order in Lanao del Sur and holding accountable those found responsible for violations of the law.