Councilor shot dead as BARMM election period begins

A municipal councilor in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) was shot dead as the election period for the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections kicked off on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

Authorities identified the victim as Nasser Dalandang, 37, councilor of Kadayangan, SGA.

The incident happened in Barangay Salunayan, Midsayap, Cotabato around 3 p.m.

According to the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), the victim was reportedly buying medicine at a pharmacy when he was shot by one of the gunmen, who fled immediately.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Several empty shells from a handgun were recovered at the crime scene.

Investigation into the incident continues in order to identify the assailants.

Investigators are looking into several angles to determine the motive, including possible work-related factors, the current situation in the region, and a possible family feud or “rido.”

“Usa sa ginatan-aw namo dinhi ang iyang trabaho ug kini pud sa ilahang sitwasyon sa BARMM. Usahay man gud diha sa BARMM, naa’y mga pamilya vs. pamilya. Kasagaran sa area sa BARMM ang rido, usa na sa among ginatan-aw,” Police Regional Office-12 Director, Brigadier General Alan Manibog, said. — GMA Regional TV