An off-duty police officer was shot dead by an unidentified gunman while performing evening prayers inside a mosque in Barangay Uyaan Proper, Madamba, Lanao del Sur on June 20.
According to Magandang Umaga Pilipinas (MUP) report by RH Jun Dimacutac, Madamba Municipal Police Station said the victim was identified as Chief Master Sgt. Alioden Sarangani, who was assigned to the Madamba Police Station and a resident of Barangay Tungantungan, Madalum, Lanao del Sur.
Initial investigation showed that Sarangani was performing isha, the last of the five daily Islamic prayers, inside the mosque when a man approached him from behind, drew a pistol, and repeatedly shot him in the head.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the head and body, resulting in his immediate death. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Authorities said Sarangani belonged to a prominent Maranao clan in Barangay Tungantungan, raising concerns that the killing could trigger a rido, a traditional term used by Muslim communities in Mindanao to describe violent and prolonged clan or family feuds.
Members of the Muslim community strongly condemned the incident, saying the sanctity of the mosque had been violated by the attack.
Provincial officials of Lanao del Sur also denounced the killing and assured support for efforts by the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) and local police units to identify and arrest the suspect for prosecution.
A manhunt operation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for the gunman and determine the motive behind the attack.
