A municipal councilor in Maguindanao del Sur was shot dead on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, during the last days of Ramadan.
The Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) identified the victim as Samuan Kitalok, a councilor of Paglat town.
Police launched an investigation to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify and arrest the assailant.
Investigators have also yet to determine the motive behind the killing, as of this writing.
In a statement, PRO-BAR condemned the incident.
“This heinous act is a grave violation of the law and a direct affront to the dignity and safety of public officials and the communities they serve,” PRO-BAR said.
PRO-BAR assured the public that perpetrators will be brought to justice.
“PRO BAR remains steadfast in its commitment to protect our communities and ensure that no act of violence goes unpunished,” PRO-BAR Director, Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman, said.
Police urged those who have knowledge about the incident to come forward and coordinate with authorities.
Meanwhile, the local government of Paglat also condemned the incident, calling it a brutal act that not only took a life but also violated peace, justice, and the values upheld by the community, especially during the holy month.
“Sa panahong ang bawat isa ay inaasahang magpakumbaba, maglinis ng puso, at magpalaganap ng kabutihan, ang ganitong karahasan ay mariing sumasalungat sa mga aral ng Islamat sa pagpapahalaga natin bilang isang komunidad. Ang buhay ng bawat tao ay sagrado, at walang sinuman ang may karapatang kumitil nito nang walang katarungan,” the local government said.
The local government urged police authorities and concerned agencies to conduct a swift, thorough, and impartial investigation into the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the crime.
“Hindi kami titigil sa panawagan para sa hustisya. Ang ganitong uri ng karahasan ay walang lugar sa ating bayan. Ang sinumang nasa likod ng krimeng ito ay dapat managot sa batas,” the local government said.
