IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — A 22-year-old mechanic was killed while a 43-year-old motor shop owner was wounded in a gun attack that occurred around 8:48 PM on January 27, 2026, in Purok Caimito, Barangay Sanito.
According to the Ipil Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victims were repairing a motorcycle at their shop when an unidentified suspect approached and opened fire without warning. The younger victim sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Attending physicians at Dr. George T. Hofer Medical Center declared him dead on arrival . The older victim suffered three gunshot wounds to the leg and remains under medical care.
Authorities recovered two deformed slugs and seven empty shells from a .45 caliber firearm at the crime scene. A local radio station reported that the suspect reportedly fled on a black Mio i125 motorcycle without a license plate, allegedly heading toward Barangay Tenan.
Barangay Tenan Chair Denounces “Misleading, Malicious” Media Post
In a strongly worded statement, Barangay Tenan Chairman Medz Far Ali expressed dismay over a social media post by local radio station 92.7 XFM Ipil, which mentioned the suspect was “heading toward Barangay Tenan.”
“I am expressing my utmost dismay and serious concern over the recent post made by 92.7 XFM Ipil regarding the shooting incident that happened last night, diin klaro kaayo nga gi-mention nga ang mga suspek ‘paingon sa Barangay Tenan’,” Far Ali said.
He described the post as “misleading, malicious, and lacks verification,” saying it caused unnecessary fear and unfairly implicated their barangay without solid basis.
“Barangay Tenan is not the only route going to Kabasalan. Daghan pa kaayong ubang barangay nga agianan padulong didto,” he clarified, adding that no official police statement has confirmed the suspect passed through or entered Barangay Tenan.
Ali urged media outlets to uphold their responsibility to deliver accurate and balanced information, warning that premature and unverified reporting can mislead the public, damage reputations, and endanger residents.
“Barangay Tenan remains committed to peace and order, ug fully cooperative kami sa mga otoridad alang sa hustisya. Apan dili mi motugot nga among barangay madungagan og dungog nga sayop tungod sa irresponsible reporting,” he added.
Gun Attack Investigation Ongoing
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the gun attack and are conducting hot pursuit and follow-up operations to apprehend the suspect.
Authorities have yet to release further details.
About The Author
