ILIGAN CITY — A province-wide manhunt is underway in Lanao del Norte after a brazen, seemingly random morning shooting in Kolambugan town left two people dead and two others wounded on Tuesday, April 21.

Initial reports from the Kolambugan Municipal Police Station indicate the violence began around 6:45 a.m. in Purok 3, Barangay Muntay. Unidentified assailants shot two victims jogging in the area without any apparent provocation.

Following the initial attack, the suspects fled on foot toward Rebucon Bridge. During their escape, they fired at a third victim standing outside her residence. As the assailants neared the bridge, they shot a fourth victim who was walking with a child.

Authorities have identified the four victims of Tuesday’s morning shooting in Barangay Muntay.

Police identified the two fatalities as Grace Ajim, 35, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Kolambugan, and Cristine Caluyong, a resident of Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. Staff at the Kolambugan Provincial Hospital declared both victims dead on arrival.

The two surviving victims are currently receiving medical care. Cheris Hope Ajim, 38, will undergo a transfer to the Mayor Hilarion A. Ramiro Sr. Medical Center (MHARSGEN) in Ozamiz City for specialized treatment. Meanwhile, Betty R. Alaban, 66, remains stable and is currently being treated at the Kolambugan Provincial Hospital.

You may also like: Troops spread across Barmm hotspots ahead of Sept. polls

The Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office (LDNPO) strongly condemned the attack. Responding officers have secured the crime scenes and are coordinating with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to process forensic evidence.

Provincial Director Police Colonel Leo De Leon Sua announced the immediate activation of "Oplan Shield," establishing checkpoints across the province and intensifying intelligence-gathering efforts to identify and capture the fleeing suspects. Authorities are urging the public to report any information related to the incident to the nearest police station to aid the swift resolution of the case.