TACURONG CITY — Authorities from President Quirino town in Sultan Kudarat province announced that they have launched a manhunt against two men riding tandem on a motorbike for the murder of an off-duty soldier last Monday afternoon.

President Quirino Police chief Maj. Davis Dulawan identified the fatality as Staff Sgt. Renante Valdez of the 57th Infantry Battalion and resident of Barangay Suben.

He disclosed that they are already pursuing several leads as police investigators already have identified "persons of interest" and are the subject of a pursuit operation.

Initial reports revealed that Valdez was heading to Magpet, North Cotabato, on his multicab when gunmen on a motorbike shot him along the highway in Barangay Poblacion at 3 p.m.

"He was on his way to Magpet in North Cotabato to gather documents for his retirement application when ambushed," Dulawan said, adding that Valdez died on the spot.

Police found three empty shells for a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.