A councilor of Kadayangan town in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Nasser A.Dalandang, was shot dead by an unidentified gunman on July 16, 2026, in Midsayap, Cotabato.The incident occurred on the first day of the gun ban imposed ahead of the Sept.14 BARMM parliamentary elections.Dalandang was driving his Toyota Hilux when he was ambushed by two men on a motorcycle who fired at him at close range before fleeing the scene.He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.Police recovered empty .45-caliber pistol shells and are investigating the motive and identities of the perpetrators.Midsayap, though not part of BARMM, is adjacent to Kadayangan.The attack highlights the risks of election-related violence despite the gun ban.

The incident has sparked discussions about security measures during electoral periods and the challenges of maintaining peace in conflict-affected areas.Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.The case underscores the ongoing tensions and vulnerabilities in regions with political instability and electoral processes.