Muslim Religious Leader Survives Shooting in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region

Authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are investigating the shooting of a Muslim cleric inside his residence in Barangay Kapinpilan, Kadayangan. The victim, identified as 43-year-old Ustadz Israel Silungan Padao, was praying in the evening when an unknown assailant entered his home and opened fire. Padao suffered gunshot wounds to his hands and feet but survived the ordeal. Relatives have confirmed that he remains in stable condition.

This violent event occurred just one week after the lethal shooting of another Islamic preacher, Ustadz Abusadid Landasan, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

In the Muslim community, an Ustadz holds a vital role by leading prayers and offering spiritual counsel. Police recovered seven spent casings from a .45-caliber pistol at the scene, indicating the weapon used in the attack.

Fellow cleric Ustadz Salem expressed strong condemnation of the incident, stating, "For us, the attack was not just an assault on a person, but an attack on the faith itself." He called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.