A commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) was killed in a brazen drive-by shooting in Zamboanga Sibugay province, authorities confirmed on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The victim was identified as Lieutenant Junior Grade Glennick Ytang, 32, the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Zamboanga Sibugay. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Purok Sentro, Barangay Veterans Village, located in the provincial capital of Ipil.
According to police reports, Ytang was driving his pick-up truck when an unidentified assailant shot him. The gunman immediately fled the scene aboard a motorcycle, heading towards the nearby town of R.T. Lim.
Police Investigation Underway
Police Colonel Barnard Danie Dasugo, the provincial police director, stated that a manhunt is ongoing to locate the suspect. Investigators are also reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from nearby establishments, hoping to identify the perpetrator.
At the crime scene, investigators recovered two deformed slugs and six empty shells from a .9-mm caliber pistol. Police Major Sali, in his report, noted that the use of a motorcycle as a getaway vehicle suggests a planned escape and indicates the suspect may be familiar with the area. He emphasized that the attack took place in a populated zone.
Search for Motive and Community Impact
Colonel Dasugo added that authorities are exploring all possible angles to determine the motive behind the killing of the Coast Guard officer. The violent death of a uniformed officer in a public area has raised concerns about security in the province.
The Philippine Coast Guard has yet to release an official statement regarding the loss of one of their commanders. The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to bring the suspect to justice.
