4 dead, 4 hurt in alleged drug-related shootout in BARMM

COTABATO CITY – Four people, including a minor, were killed and four others were injured in an alleged shootout on Tuesday morning, believed to be linked to an illegal drug transaction in Kadayangan, Special Geographic Area (SGA) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), police confirmed Wednesday.

Captain Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), identified the fatalities as Musalik Balang alias “Long Hair,” 45; Haron Boliongan, 35; Romeo Lombo; and a 17-year-old identified only by the alias Hamz, all residents of Kadayangan.

The four other victims who were wounded in the incident are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

READ: Drug suspect killed, 4 patrons arrested in buy-bust in BARMM town

The incident occurred at around 8 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Malingao.

Initial police investigation showed that a drug transaction between two groups allegedly escalated into a gunfight.

“The shooting occurred in a secluded area where the victims had gathered,” Salanguit said, adding that there were no nearby residents in the area.

The suspects, who are also believed to be involved in illegal drug activities, fled the scene immediately after the incident, she added.

Salanguit said the victims had reportedly been involved in illegal drug activities for a long time. 

Authorities have launched a pursuit operation against the suspects while a full investigation remains ongoing.

Kadayangan Mayor Duma Mascud visited the area following the incident to assess the situation, coordinate with the concerned agencies, and ensure support for the ongoing investigation.

Kadayangan was formerly part of Midsayap, Cotabato, before it became part of BARMM following the 2019 plebiscite./coa