ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a 37-year-old councilor from the newly formed town of Kadayangan in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Special Geographic Area (SGA) on Thursday, July 16, the first day of the election gun ban imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The victim, identified as Councilor Alimudin M. Pendatun, was attacked while riding his motorcycle in Barangay Semba, Kadayangan town, around 9:30 a.m., according to the Bangsamoro Police Regional Office. He was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital.
Kadayangan is one of the newly created towns in the BARMM SGA, established under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The election gun ban, which started on July 16, prohibits the carrying of firearms outside residences and government offices until after the elections.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, who fled after the shooting. The motive for the killing is under investigation, but authorities have not ruled out political rivalry as a possible cause.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the BARMM region, where election-related violence has been a recurring issue. The Comelec has urged the public to report any violations of the gun ban.
