A 38-year-old farmer was found dead with gunshot wounds by the road in Tulunan, Cotabato.

Residents found the victim lying lifeless beside his motorcycle in Barangay La Esperanza morning on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Police said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the body.

Based on investigation, the victim reportedly asked his father for permission to go out to attend to something prior to the incident. However, he never returned home and was later found dead.

Residents near the crime scene said they heard gunshots at dawn that day but did not pay attention to them.

“Sinabi ng kapitbahay, yung bahay malapit sa area, na may narinig silang putok at nung nag-conduct ng deeper investigation, may na-recover na empty shell at nakita din doon sa katawan ng bangkay, meron itong tama ng bala,” Cotabato Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Lt. James Warren Caang, said.

Authorities recovered from the crime scene four empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol.

Police have identified persons of interest, but they are still investigating the motive for the killing.