TUGUNAN, Special Geographic Area, BARMM — A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary (CAA) was shot dead by unidentified armed assailants while riding his motorcycle in a remote area along the boundary of Barangay Manaulanan, Tugunan, Special Geographic Area (SGA), and Barangay Damalasak on Friday afternoon, November 13, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias Ricky, was an adult resident of Barangay Kolambog, Pikit, Cotabato, and an active member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary.
Based on initial investigation, the victim was traveling toward Tugunan when unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire on him at around 2:00 p.m. The assailants reportedly fired multiple shots, leaving the victim fatally wounded. He died at the scene, while the perpetrators immediately fled in an undetermined direction.
Police investigators recovered seven spent cartridge cases from the crime scene. The recovered ballistic evidence was subsequently submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit for examination to help establish the type of firearm used and potentially assist in identifying those responsible.
Following the incident, police personnel, together with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), launched hot pursuit operations to track down and apprehend the suspects.
As of the latest available information, authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the killing. Investigators are also working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether the victim was specifically targeted or the shooting was connected to other security-related incidents in the area.
The killing adds to the reported incidents of armed violence in the Special Geographic Area, raising renewed concerns about the safety of residents and individuals traveling through remote communities.
Authorities have yet to release further details regarding the suspects, their possible identities, or the circumstances that may have led to the attack. The investigation and pursuit operations remain ongoing.