Sga-barmm: The death toll in the gun attack in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (SGA-BARMM) rose to four as two more injured victims died in the hospital, police reported.

According to Philippines News Agency, four other wounded victims remain hospitalized receiving treatment. Capt. Steffi Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), confirmed in a radio interview that the attack occurred at 8 a.m. on Tuesday in Barangay Malingao, Kadayangan, SGA-BARMM. Two victims were killed on the spot, while two others expired later that day while undergoing treatment.

The first two casualties were identified as Musalik Balang, 45, and Haron Boliongan, 35. In the evening, Romeo Lombo and a 17-year-old male also died from their injuries. The Kadayangan Municipal Police Station's report indicated that the shooting stemmed from a misunderstanding over illegal drug transactions between the victims and the attackers.

Salanguit stated that about eight men arrived in the village and, without provocation, fired at the victims. Kadayangan Mayor Duma Mascud added that the suspects arrived in a private vehicle and opened fire for unknown reasons. Village officials and residents suspect the crime scene to be a drug den.

The Maguindanao del Norte police office has deployed additional troops to prevent further incidents. No civilian evacuation has been reported.