KIDAPAWAN CITY - The fatal shooting of Haron Dimalanes, an aspiring candidate for barangay captain, around 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, has raised suspicions of political motives.
Dimalanes, aged 40, was tragically killed, while his companion, Habir Samad Kambiong, 27, sustained injuries. Both individuals were residents of Barangay Malingao, Midsayap.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Pinalgan, Midsayap Police Chief, the incident occurred at the Municipal Plaza.
Dimalanes had just submitted his certificate of candidacy (COC) to the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Midsayap and was resting when two unidentified men approached him. Without hesitation, they shot him using a .45 caliber pistol.
Kambiong, Dimalanes' security escort, fought back and suffered gunshot wounds.
The assailants immediately fled the scene on a motorcycle, heading toward a remote area in Midsayap.
Responding police officers promptly assisted and rushed the victims to the hospital. Unfortunately, Dimalanes succumbed to his injuries, while Kambiong remained in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan strongly condemned the incident, ordering an exhaustive investigation by the Midsayap Municipal Police Station and heightened security measures in anticipation of the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October. EEF